Police said on Friday that they had observed a 30-percent increase in drug crimes in the region covered by the Länsi-Uusimaa police department, between January and September this year compared to the same time last year. Law enforcement said they believe failed drug deals may be behind the rise in some violent crimes.
The Länsi-Uusimaa police precinct covers areas such as Espoo, Kirkkonummi, Vihti and Raseborg (Raasepori). The highest number of offences in the region involved unlawful narcotics use, with 1,300 crimes recorded -- 300 more than the same period in 2019.
The data showed a rise in the number of young people held on suspicion of unlawful drug use and other narcotics offences in Länsi-Uusimaa. So far this year police said they have held 167 under-17-year-olds for such offences -- 54 more than last year. Law enforcement said that illegal drugs increasingly play a role in violent crimes involving young people, such as assault and robbery.
Police blotters in the region revealed several suspected robberies committed by young people, which are believed to be tied to failed drug deals.
"In [some cases] one party has stolen property and in other cases dealers have been the victims of robberies that included drugs they had in their possession. Some cases have involved extreme violence," chief superintendent Teemu Saukoniemi said.
Rise in narcotics use while driving
Meanwhile the role played by narcotics in cases of driving under the influence rose by about 30 percent, police records showed.
Between January and September, police dealt with 463 drivers who were under the influence while behind the wheel. Many cases also involved motorists who had consumed alcohol as well as some other narcotic substance.
"Driving while intoxicated also accounted for nearly half the increase in narcotics use offences, because as a rule individuals are suspected of the offence in addition to driving under the influence," Saukoniemi said in a statement.
Sting reveals drugs, money and weapons
In mid-October, the Länsi-Uusimaa police department participated in a nationwide drug-related surveillance exercise. Around 30 suspects were held during the operation.
Most of the offences linked to the operation -- 17 -- were unlawful narcotics use crimes, five of which were aggravated offences.
"In connection with searches and detentions, we seized about 150 grams of amphetamines, 40 grams of cocaine and 65 doses of LSD. On top of this, we recovered marijuana and different medical narcotics. One firearm and nearly 7,500 euros in cash were also confiscated," Saukoniemi noted.
