Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the UK Border Force are identifying synthetic drugs being imported into the UK; and what steps is he taking to ensure effective monitoring of this.

Tackling illicit drugs, including potent synthetic opioids, is a priority for the Government, and through our 10-year drugs strategy ‘From Harm to Hope’ the Home Office is taking action to tackle drug supply and reduce demand.

Border Force uses intelligence from law enforcement and sources overseas to target action at the border and identify shipments for examination.

The cross-Government Synthetic Opioids Taskforce is working with partners such as the NCA, the Department of Health and Social Care and the National Police Chiefs Council to deliver an evidence-based response to the risk posed by synthetic opioids, monitor the effectiveness of the response, including at the border, and to implement effective action to stem the demand and supply of these dangerous substances.