Agenda item

Purpose

To share the annual report of the Combatting Drugs Partnership (CDP), highlighting progress and areas for improvement.

Noted the report which is for information and is not subject to call-in.

Alan Knobel, Public Health Principal, introduced the report and gave a presentation, noting that some data was indicative as it could not be published until it was approved at national level. Drugs were more problematic now as they were stronger than traditional ones, leading to an increased number of deaths. Issues with ketamine use increased health problems. 

In response to questions from members about how completion for treatment was measured, Mr Knobel explained that people were discharged from treatment when they were no longer using substances. It was a judgement call and an agreement between the person and worker as to when the person felt they no longer needed treatment. Staff tested regularly for drug consumption. The process could be quick or take years. However, there were some who disengaged or relapsed.

The spike in deaths was due to an issue in the summer with a batch of heroin contaminated with nitazene. As there were about drug related 30 to 40 deaths annually an increase of five was a significant increase percentage wise. There was a very high number of overdoses and deaths would have been much higher if not for hostel staff administering naloxone.

As to the reasons for fewer suspensions from school, Mr Knobel could not give the exact answer but it was probably because there was more service provision to support young people and keep them in school. Members agreed it was better that young people were in school as then it was known what they were doing.

The impact of disrupting supply chains on the overall supply was probably limited as what was done in Portsmouth could not influence the national situation, for example, county lines networks coming from London. According to recent information there was less heroin in Portsmouth, probably as the Taliban had been cracking down on opium production, but trying to disrupt supply was like squeezing a balloon. The police prioritised the networks that caused the most harm.

Councillor Winnington thanked Mr Knobel for his report which was as illuminating as ever. He appreciated all the work Mr Knobel and his team did. The CDP would report back next year with an update. When talking to organisations like the police and the Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board a major focus was county lines which fitted in strongly with the CDP. There had been quite serious incidences with spice recently as it could be mixed with synthetic opioids and the last few weeks in hostels had been particularly unpleasant. Training staff to use naloxone (to counteract overdoses) had saved lives so he was proud the council had invested in it. The CDP was a statutory organisation with regular meetings and provided an opportunity to involve different groups, including those with lived experience. Mr Knobel agreed the CDP was a useful addition to the work done in the city and built on the work of the former drug action team. 

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information and is not subject to call-in.