Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson backs Dorset PCC David Sidwick’s call for tougher cannabis classification

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson has said he strongly supports recent calls to reclassify cannabis as a Class A drug, aligning it with substances like heroin and crack cocaine.

This stance underscores growing concern about the extensive impact of cannabis on community safety in rural communities and its role in fuelling broader criminal activities, raised by Dorset PCC David Sidwick this week.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I fully support calls for a tougher stance on cannabis – including the reclassification of it to a Class A drug. In Wiltshire, we see firsthand how cannabis cultivation and use are not isolated issues but are deeply intertwined with a spectrum of criminal activities.

“From anti-social behaviour and retail theft to more serious offences like modern slavery and human trafficking, cannabis often serves as a gateway drug and funding source for organised crime groups.”

Recent operations in Wiltshire have highlighted the extent of the problem. A significant seizure of over 100kg of cannabis was made during a coordinated effort targeting organised crime groups involved in drug cultivation. These operations were part of a broader regional initiative and also led to multiple arrests and the discovery of weapons, emphasising the dangerous links between drug offences and violent crime.

The success of regionally coordinated Operation Scorpion, and its growing impact on disruptions to drugs networks, underline the scale of the threat posed by drug-related crime, including cannabis.

The initiative, introduced by the five Police and Crime Commissioners across the south west brings together the police forces from Wiltshire, Dorset, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, and Gloucestershire in a united, intelligence sharing, unit to dismantle county lines operations and cut off drugs supply at the source.

Mr Wilkinson added: “The idea that cannabis is a harmless drug is a misconception. Its cultivation and distribution are often controlled by organised crime networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and perpetuate violence.

“County lines operations are the clearest example of how drug-related crime has extended its tentacles into our rural towns and villages. The notion that drug-related crime is only an urban issue is outdated and dangerously naive.

“Operation Scorpion has shown the power of collective regional enforcement in disrupting criminal activity. But enforcement alone is not enough — we also need national drug policy that recognises cannabis as the deeply harmful drug it is, and supports prevention, education, and treatment alongside policing.

“Reclassifying cannabis would send a clear message about the seriousness of its impact on our communities.”

Both PCCs advocate for a comprehensive approach that combines enforcement with education and rehabilitation. They emphasise the importance of community involvement and intelligence in tackling drug-related issues and call for national policies that reflect the realities faced by local forces.

Mr Wilkinson added that communities need to keep reporting any crimes and intelligence from their communities so action can be taken. He said: "My appeal to them is to report any crimes in their area, so the police can collaboratively work together using intelligence to proactively disrupt those targeting our communities and causing harm.” 

Published Thursday 29 May 2025