Question
At a recent meeting of the Policing Board (7 December 2023) the NCA Director General referred to a study of Wastewater based epidemiology to determine the levels of illicit drugs use in England and Wales. Could the Chief Constable outline if he is aware of any plans for a similar study to happen in Northern Ireland or who does he think the lead body should be in carrying out such a study?
Answer
The Police Service is currently working with partners in the Department of Health, NI Water and Imperial College London to explore the feasibility of carrying out a pilot wastewater study in Northern Ireland.
As the levels of illicit drug use would only be one small aspect of such a wide reaching programme, the Police Service will not be the lead body for this.