Officers in Moray provide support to people vulnerable to drug related harm
Officers in Moray have been working to provide support to those vulnerable to drug related harm as part of Operation Protector.
On Tuesday, 9 and Wednesday, 10 August, 2022, officers alongside partners from Moray Council, Arrows, Circles Advocacy, Moray Wellbeing and the NHS carried out engagement opportunities to highlight the multi-agency approach to tackling issues associated with drug related harm in our communities.
In Buckie and Elgin, dedicated partnership hubs were set up where information on safeguarding and support on making or influencing positive life changes was provided to over 100 people.
95 outreach visits were conducted to vulnerable persons who were offered the support of services designed to keep them safer and reduce the risk of drug related overdose and deaths.
As part of the operation, six drug search warrants were executed in addresses across the area, with personal quantities of Cannabis and Cocaine being recovered.
Those encountered by Police during enforcement were offered support by a dedicated Enforcement Support Team. Three persons will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to drug possession offences.
Chief Inspector Simon Reid, Local Area Commander for Moray said: “This operation and continued partnership work focusses around the need for effective intervention and outreach to those most vulnerable in our communities.
"Enforcement compliments the need to focus on those who are vulnerable and targeting those who aim to exploit these individuals however is no longer the solution to tackling the issue around drug related harm.
"Effective intervention and assertive outreach is and focuses on reducing the demand for drugs in our communities. We will continue to work with partners across Moray and the wider North East area to keep people safe from those who blight our communities and to reduce drug related harm.”
Justin Jansen, Service Manager for Arrows said: “This is a welcome opportunity to bring our teams together with our partners into a focussed outreach based operation to reach those who we know to be most at risk.
“Some individuals reach a point where they lose choice about what they can do to change their lives and are unable to take themselves out of the harmful situation. This is when outreach becomes the most effective way to reach individuals most at risk.
"At the same time, we are encouraging communities to contribute directly in the partnership response to the impact of serious organised crime on individuals and families who are our communities.”
If you or anyone you know are effected by drug related harm, support and assistance are available to you by calling 01343 610 500 (Arrows, Moray).
If you live in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, support is also available by calling 0333 344 8355 (Aberdeen Drugs Action) or 01224 558844 (Aberdeenshire).
If you are at risk or are being forced to sell controlled drugs, please call 101 or in an emergency call 999.
