For the vast majority of the public having a coke would relate to drinking a fizzy juice to quench a thirst or maybe dilute a somewhat stronger alcoholic product. It contains some caffeine but that apart it is fairly harmless and even comes without sugar for those who are diet conscious. In some cases it allegedly causes extreme flatulence which is probably the only way it can bring harm to others.

For the minority, albeit a sizeable one, it means consuming a powerful narcotic, usually snorted and succumbing to the effects. Historically it was the drug of choice of the upper classes, far better than the nasty highly addictive diamorphine preferred by the proletariat, and according to its' users, much less addictive.

Recent surveys suggest that 3.8% of the population regularly use cocaine and that 100,000 Scots are addicted to the product.  A hit costs a fiver.  90% of British bank notes contain traces it. The estimated cost to medical and judicial authorities is £2.1 billion - a sum, if you pardon the pun, not to be sniffed at.

It is acknowledged that the SCDEA is making inroads into the general drug market.  Last year seizures amounted to £43.5 million.  Jail sentences totaling 97 years were handed out.  Criminal assets amounting to £13 million were seized.  An estimated 2 million street deals were prevented. 

But Gordon Meldrum, Director General of the SCDEA, acknowledges that we will never seize all drugs taken into this country.  We have a 6,158 mile coastline for a start, we have an open border with our nearest neighbours and we have determined and innovative suppliers extremely keen to meet the obvious demand.

It is a fact that America really cracked down (excuse the pun again) on the Columbian white powder problem in the early part of this century. Life sentences meant life and the American authorities went flat out in pursuit of their targets leaving no stone unturned to seize assets and make arrests. Europe, and maybe especially Scotland, became a much easier mark for the organised crime groups and we need to learn a few lessons here.

As ever, we need a multi-agency approach.  Education is vital if we are ever to stop or slow the demand and the SCDEA are making progress here.  Our borders, land and sea, undoubtedly need more attention. But we also need to sharpen up our act in dealing with those organised crime groups and those in them. Anyone found guilty of dealing in cocaine should receive a sentence that reflects the magnitude of the crime and also reflects the huge social cost of their chosen trade.

Note: The views expressed in The Station Blog are written by neither a Federation representative nor an employee and are not necessarily those of the Joint Central Committee of the Scottish Police Federation.  If you want to comment on the content please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it