A RADICAL call for a safer UK drug policy will be unveiled an international symposium taking place in Durham today.

In a report, Durham’s Policed Crime Commission Ron Hogg concludes the UK drugs policy has failed and is continuing to fail our communities and does not reduce the harm caused by drugs.

Mr Hogg, who will chair a meeting of experts at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, said: “I have assessed the impact and cost of drugs on society, and on individuals.

“England and Wales has one of the highest rates of drug-related deaths in Europe.

“Also, it has the highest rates of heroin use, cocaine use and ecstasy use, while research shows that every year Class A drugs cost society £15.4bn.

“This includes costs to the public, to businesses, to the NHS and to the criminal justice system.”

He added: “I have spoken to too many grieving families who lost their children to drug addiction.

“These kinds of devastating incidents have the power to bring about change and we should all care enough to want to help.”

Mr Hogg said Towards a Safer Drug Policy focuses on the need to reduce harm, and on improving the health of drug users.

He said: "The continuing description of drug addicts as criminals rather than people who are unhealthy or sick prevents them from getting well and can consign their family to years of misery.”

Towards a Safer Drug Policy sets out six areas for review, including a fundamental review of UK drugs policy, supporting fully-funded effective education and intervention and promoting cost-effective specialist drug treatment.