How do the police estimate the quantity of drugs that have been distributed via a drugs line over a given period of time?

Over the course of the last year, we are now seeing this done using an algorithm that was designed by the Metropolitan Police and an organisation called Forensic Analytics. The algorithm analyses the call data for a telephone number suspected to be used as a drugs line.

In 2020, the Home Office produced a review of drugs. According to Public Health England, on average a drug user consumes 0.4 grams of crack-cocaine and 0.5 grams of heroin a day. Using the information from the call data, the police will determine how many customers a day have contacted the drugs line, and therefore forecast how many grams of crack-cocaine and heroin were supplied in a day. Following on from this, the police will quantify the volume of drugs sold by the line over a given period of time.

Why is this important for our clients?

In short, the quantity of drugs that has been supplied will have an impact on the sentence that is passed. This is significant because it can move a person from one sentencing category to a higher category, which may add a few years to the final sentence that is passed.

Our expert criminal defence solicitors have experience of successfully challenging this type of evidence and the assumptions that have been made by the police. We are passionate about what we do, and unsurprisingly we have a national reputation for delivering first class legal services. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your case.