Labour has launched a crackdown on street drug-dealing across Lambeth.  The tough new measures agreed this week will see drug dealers and buyers targeted with ASBOs (anti-social behaviour orders) that could see offenders banned from parts of the borough under threat of a jail sentence if they repeat the offence.  People convicted of buying or selling drugs will be named and featured on posters and a public website to deter others.  The new crackdown is believed to be the toughest in the country and has full Police backing.    

But a Tory councillor shocked residents by speaking out against the plans.  He argued against targeting people who come into the borough to buy drugs.  Labour councillors were left to point out that drug tourists encourage the illegal drugs trade that fuels the menace of guns and gangs in inner-city areas.  While the Tories and Lib Dems were in charge at Lambeth town hall, no serious measures were taken against drug dealing and Lambeth’s top police officer wrote to complain about the lack of support for local policing.   

Council Leader Steve Reed welcomed the get-tough approach.  He said: “Labour promised to make Lambeth safer, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.  We’re sending out a clear message to drug dealers and buyers: if you’re thinking of coming to Lambeth to buy your drugs, don’t, because we’ll use every power at our disposal to stop you.”

Labour's getting the drug dealers off Lambeth's streets

Do you agree with Labour's plans to tackle drug tourists and dealers?  Or do you agree with the Tories and Lib Dems that it's best to just leave them to it?  Please send in your views below.