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Home Office Wants To 'Name And Shame' Middle-Class Cocaine Users

Home Office Wants To 'Name And Shame' Middle-Class Cocaine Users

The Home Office has said it wants to ‘crackdown on recreational drug use and ensure those who break the law face consequences’

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Home Secretary Priti Patel wants police to 'name and shame' middle-class cocaine users to 'make an example' of them, according to a new report.

The minister is reportedly keen for police forces to publicly reveal the names of some 'high-profile' users in an attempt to make it clear that no-one can use Class A drugs without any consequences.

Cops have been told to target cocaine use at universities to help get the new message across, with plans to focus on freshers' week celebrations, The Times reports.

PA

A police source told the publication: "We have been told to actively look for high-value individuals to arrest those who see drugs as a part of their lifestyle and don't believe that there will be any ramifications."

A Home Office source told The Times: "One of the issues is that they don't think they will ever get punished, that there's no realistic prospect of the police pursuing them.

"This is a drive to make sure that people are being punished and others realise it. There will be high-profile arrests. We want to make examples of people who are held in high esteem but are fuelling ongoing crime and murders linked to the drug trade."

PA

Last month Patel warned that there would be a crackdown on recreational drug users, including middle-class cocaine users, in a bid to tackle the Class A drugs trade and its links to gang conflict and violent crime.

In a policy document, the Home Office warned that there would be more 'drug testing on arrest' with an aim to 'crackdown on recreational drug use and ensure those who break the law face consequences'.

The document continued: "Individuals who use illegal substances need to know they are not only risking their health, but funding dangerous criminals who rely on fear, exploitation and violence."

It went on to say this would be 'the first step in work to challenge drug misuse, reduce demand and change the perceived acceptability of using illicit drugs which devastate communities and fuel serious violence'.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse said earlier this month the new plans will target recreational users of Class A drugs to 'illustrate the impact' on different communities.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, crime, Drugs, Politics