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<p>Illicit production of synthetic drugs is a growing global concern, and we assess
that criminal groups involved in illicit production are present in numerous countries
around the world, including China. UK law enforcement agencies regularly engage with
counterparts in countries where websites supplying and advertising illicit drugs are
hosted. We have provided additional resources to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and
Home Office international networks in key source and transit countries to work with
other governments to identify and disrupt criminal groups who seek to exploit the
UK. We are also working closely with partners to monitor developments in source countries,
to assess how changes are likely to affect the drugs threat to the UK.</p><p>With
regards to action being taken to combat the sale of illicit drugs on the internet,
our Online Safety Act will introduce measures requiring platforms to remove content
relating to the sale of illegal drugs online and prevent users from being exposed
to it. If they fail to comply, they risk stiff financial penalties or in the most
serious cases, having their sites blocked by the independent regulator, Ofcom.</p><p>Additionally,
the NCA, along with policing colleagues across the UK target key offenders operating
online and work to ensure they have the resources and powers they need to keep our
country safe. For example, proposals are being taken forward in the Criminal Justice
Bill to create a new power enabling law enforcement to suspend IP addresses and/or
domain names being used for criminal purpose, including the sale of illicit drugs.
This new power will allow agencies to obtain a court order to formally request action
by organisations both domestically and outside of the UK.</p>
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