Police join forces with drugs charity over dark web dangers

Specialist cyber detectives have teamed up with a drugs charity to warn people of the dangers of purchasing drugs from the ‘dark web’ – a hidden part of the internet which hosts both legal and illegal activities.

Officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) have collaborated with substance misuse charity Druglink to contact hundreds of households across the country which have been identified as receiving orders of recreational and counterfeit drugs.

Officers visited 80 homes and issued advisory letters to a further 675 addresses where intelligence indicated dark web drugs packages had been delivered, warning recipients of the criminal and health dangers of illicit substances and signposting to available support.

ERSOU’s cyber teams have an active presence on the dark web, with investigators looking to identify and target those selling prohibited items in the same way as they would on the open web.

Detective Sergeant Ian Russell, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), said: “ERSOU is committed to tackling the threat of organised crime, and our teams work around the clock apprehending offenders and safeguarding those who need support.

“In conjunction with partners, we carried out several safeguarding interventions across the region as part of this operation, focusing on addresses which have appeared in our investigations.

“Contrary to popular belief, people selling and buying items on the dark web can be identified and may face prosecution, and we follow lines of enquiry in the same way we would if someone had bought items on the open web.

“While we have a duty to investigate criminality, we also know that many of those purchasing drugs are in the throes of addiction and are in need of help. I would encourage anyone who needs support with substance addiction to contact their GP, pharmacy or reach out to services like Druglink.”

Lynsey Weston, Director of Training and Diversion at Druglink, said: “Druglink is proud to collaborate with ERSOU on this vital operation, offering a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals navigating challenges related to substance use.

“Our mission is to provide support, education, and understanding, empowering people to make informed choices that benefit themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community.”

Further support can be found at www.druglink.co.uk  Services such as Talk to Frank are also available at www.talktofrank.com for confidential advice on drugs.