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<p>Tackling Class A drugs, including synthetic opioids, is a priority for the Government
due to the harm caused to users, society and the economy.</p><p>The HMG Synthetic
Opioids Taskforce is working with partner agencies such as the National Crime Agency
(NCA), the Department for Health and Social Care and the National Police Chiefs Council
to deliver an evidence-based response to the level of risk posed by synthetic opioids,
and implement policies to stem the demand and supply of these dangerous substances.</p><p>As
of 20 March, 15 dangerous synthetic opioids have come under the tightest controls
as Class A drugs. An impact assessment has been published which outlines the potential
impacts of the legislation, and which includes a qualitative assessment of the potential
use and spread of these substances.. By controlling these substances, we anticipate
an increase in public awareness of their harms and that law enforcement are able to
respond to the supply and production of these drugs.</p><p> </p><p>To stem the supply
of illicit synthetic opioids to and within the UK, the NCA, Police and Border Force
are working together in a zero-tolerance approach, ensuring all lines of enquiry are
prioritised and vigorously pursued. This involves mapping and targeting key offenders,
including dark net markets. Dedicated teams use a range of tools and techniques generally
unavailable to most investigators and we make sure they have the resources and powers
they need to keep our country safe.</p><p> </p><p>Border Force are leading on a series
of intensifications at the border to strengthen our intelligence on how these substances
reach the UK. Furthermore, Home Office supports the NCA’s International Liaison Officer
network and Border Force’s international work through funding posts in key transit
and source countries to stop drugs from coming to the UK in the first place.</p>
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