Pubdate: Fri, 02 Nov 2007
Source: Watford Observer (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Newsquest Media Group, A Gannett Company
Contact:  http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4605

COST OF TOWN'S DRUG FIX

Taxpayers in Watford are paying a staggering UKP10 million a year to 
deal with the effects of substance abuse and drug related crime, 
police estimate.

The figures, based on national averages, show policing drugs abusers 
and supporting addicts costs every taxpayer in the country UKP58 a year.

That means in Watford - a town with a population of about 80,000 
people - residents spend more than UKP4.5m a year on treating drug 
users and alcoholics, and it costs them an estimated further UKP5.6m 
on drug related crime.

Watford taxpayers are therefore having to cough up a shocking UKP10.3 
million a year to deal with the effects of substance abuse.

Based on current street prices, police say more than UKP36,000 is 
spend on illegal drugs by Watford residents every week.

That means more than UKP1.8 million a year is spent on illegal drugs, 
including cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin.

The statistics, given at a meeting of Watford Borough Council's 
call-in and performance scrutiny committee, are calculated from 
national averages.

However, they highlight the shocking drain on public resources drugs 
and drug related crime is having.

The statistics were also accompanied by figures highlighting police 
activity in Watford over the past six months.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman