Expert drug witnesses from across the Yorkshire and Humber region were briefed by the head of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YH ROCU) as part of a programme to develop their knowledge and awareness in respect of Serious and Organised Crime.

The four-day training event, organised by the YH ROCU Regional Drug Expert Witnesses Working Group, highlighted the vital roles expert witnesses perform in a wide-range of key investigations – from County Lines probes to Modern Day Slavery prosecutions.

The types of crimes considered included cuckooing of victims in their own homes, the use of firearms, the exploitation of vulnerable people to transport drugs, and modern slavery offences, as well as the fear that such crime causes in our communities.

The event, held at West Yorkshire Police’s Carr Gate complex, Wakefield, was delivered by Tony Saggers former head of the National Crime Agency’s Threat and Intelligence (Drugs).

Speaking after the event Det Chief Supt Carl Galvin, head of the Y&H ROCU, said:

“Expert witnesses play a key role in informing our investigations and provide significant insight for Senior Investigating Officers on matters such as illicit business models and more.”

“They are vitally important in tackling the misery that drugs cause across our communities in Yorkshire and The Humber.”

“I am pleased that we have been able to fully brief them as part of their continuing professional development.”