Drug crimes made up 10% of all offences committed by children across the West Mercia police area last year.
Ministry of Justice figures show 52 cautions or convictions were handed down to under 18s in West Mercia over drug crimes in 2020-21, out of a total of 534 proven offences that resulted in a conviction or caution for children.
Almost 1,000 drug crimes have been committed by children in West Mercia since records began in 2013-14.
Nationally, 4,000 drug offences were committed by children during the first year of the pandemic, despite national lockdowns and other measures contributing to a significant fall in overall crime rates.
'Failure of UK drug policy'
Steve Rolles, senior policy analyst at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, said the figures were a "depressing reflection on the failure of UK drug policy", adding that nobody should be criminalised for personal drug use.
Dr Laura Garius of Release, the national centre for drugs expertise, said: “Criminalising children for drug offences hinders their life chances and disrupts their education and employment outcomes.”
John Campion, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, said: “As PCC I am committed to ensuring that children and young people who are involved in drug related offences get the support they need.
“Although in some instances a criminal justice measure is required, for others support and diversion is the more appropriate option. I am proud to fund early interventions, such as DIVERT and Climb, as they can make such a difference to individuals, to communities and to potential future victims of crime.”
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The DIVERT programme offers early intervention to those found in possession of small amounts of drugs. Climb supports children and young people who are being criminal exploited, including those involved in county lines.
The PCC also funds substance misuse support within the West Mercia Youth Justice Service for young people in trouble for drug related offences and for those who are using substances.
Mr Campion added: “By diverting young people to support and health services, we have the opportunity to prevent the impact of a criminal caution/conviction having lifelong implications, and reduce the number of young people committing drug offences.”
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