New figures released by the Home Office in answer to a parliamentary question from David Ruffley MP show that possession and dealing of both class A and B drugs is on the rise in Suffolk.

David said:

'The new figures I've unearthed show those found guilty for possession of class A and B drugs in Suffolk increased by 33 and 39 per cent respectively between 2001 and 2003. At the same time the dealing of class A and B drugs has increased by 55 and 33 per cent respectively between 2001 and 2003, the last year for which figures are available.

'Yet amazingly, the Home Office response is to set new limits below which the police should not charge people with dealing! So for the first time people will be able to carry up to £700 worth of Heroin or £840 worth of Crack Cocaine and be allowed to claim it was only for personal use. This means dealers can claim that they are not dealers and so avoid a tougher penalty and sentence.

'These latest figures, which I have obtained from the Home Secretary, show a worrying increase in both the convictions for possession and dealing of drugs in the two most recent years for which figures are available.

'I am shocked that the Government response to this problem is to say to the public that they can carry huge amounts of illegal substances and claim it is for personal use!

'I have now tabled another question to the Home Secretary asking for the most recent figures for 2004, which I am told will be available very soon. I look forward to his response.'