The Home Office has updated guidance on security measures for the transport of Controlled Drugs (CDs) and Drug Precursors (PCs) within the UK or internationally.
It applies to companies undertaking their own transport and to companies providing transport or freight services as a third party.
The document makes the point that levels of security for stocks of controlled drugs held at premises, and that afforded to equivalent quantities in transit, may differ. Licensees should give equal consideration to their stocks in transit as they do when they are held on their premises, according to the guidance. Standard postal services (including recorded delivery or registered parcel services) are not considered appropriate.
As good practice, licensees should have an agreed set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), for example containing procedures for emergencies or unscheduled interruptions during transit such as vehicle breakdown; someone should sign CDs out for delivery and verify that the entire consignment is present before departure; delivery drivers should be expected to confirm their identity; reconciliation should take place whenever appropriate; and records should be kept.
The document also offers suggestions for security arrangements around the transit of drugs where a licensee is using their own vehicle; or a contract courier company.
It is a condition of the Home Office domestic drugs licences that any thefts or losses are reported immediately to the Home Office drugs Licensing Unit and local police.
For the 12-page guidance visit the Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transporting-controlled-drugs-guidance-on-security-measures.
And separately, the Home Office has brought out general advice on security measures for premises that are licensed to possess, supply or produce controlled drugs: covering sites and buildings, storage (for instance in pre-fabricated strong rooms), and keys and locking. Again, the advice includes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). For the ten-page document visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/general-security-guidance-for-controlled-drug-suppliers.
