Postal packets deliver illegal drugs into the UK

We’ve launched a campaign across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Co Durham and Darlington to raise awareness of the use of postal packets to import illegal drugs into the UK.

Illegal drugs, such as cannabis, are ordered online and delivered to home/business addresses via postal systems.  

Importing drugs and weapons that may be legal in the purchasing country but not in the UK is a criminal offence which could result in a prison sentence.  

Vulnerable people are coerced into using their home addresses to receive parcels which are then collected by others (who may also be coerced) or by the criminals themselves. If a tenant, then your tenancy could be at risk as your housing provider may remove you from your home.

There are also dangers with purchasing drugs and prescription medication illegally, which could be fatal as there is no way of knowing what they contain. 

Organised crime delivers harm to communities and vulnerable people within.

Illegal drugs fuel organised crime which leads to violence and exploitation of the young and vulnerable across communities. Drug dealing has a big impact on local communities, directly leading to increased crime.  

We're encouraging people to speak up if they have any information on the import of drugs and weapons. Tell us what you know, 100% anonymously - guaranteed. Call 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form:

Give information anonymously

Information that will help:

• Who is responsible for arranging parcels containing drugs to be posted into the UK?
• Do you know someone that is being coerced to receive/collect parcels on behalf of someone else? If so, by whom and how are they organising this? If through social media, which platform?
• Which websites and/or social media platforms are being used to purchase drugs from overseas?
• Has someone been at your door, asking if you've had parcels delivered that you weren't expecting? If so, do you know who that person was?

Detailed anonymous community information plays a major role in stopping crime. Even if you think it’s insignificant, it could prove to be a vital piece of information.

If you have any information on the import of drugs, tell us what you know 100% anonymously - guaranteed. We are independent from law enforcement, and you can tell us what you know in over 150 different languages, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling our UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or filling in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

More information:

• UK Trade Tariff: import prohibitions and restrictions
• Cannabis - it is unlawful to possess, supply, offer to supply, produce, import or export this drug except under a Home Office licence

For further information on the mental & physical health risks from illegal drugs and organisations that provide support:

• Cannabis and mental health for children and young people

• Cannabis - Talk to Frank

• Rethink Mental Illness - cannabis and mental health

30 July 2025