Brexit fuels illicit drug, alcohol and tobacco trade, warns Public Health Wales
Public Health Wales has released a report urgently calling for a deeper understanding of the repercussions of Brexit on illicit trade in Wales.
The rise in illegal trade of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco could significantly increase health risks and potential fatalities.
Since Brexit, changes in the accessibility of EU criminal databases for the UK and shifts in border and import controls and trade relationships have created potential avenues impacting the supply of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
These changes could also affect the UK’s ability to collaborate with the EU and other entities in detecting and preventing the illegal trade of such substances.
This development coincides with the planned establishment of two new freeports in Wales.
Freeports, intended to enhance international trade, are subjected to less stringent checks and regulations.
This leniency could lead to increased criminal exploitation unless proper preventative measures are implemented.
Dr. Louisa Petchey, Senior Policy Specialist at the WHO Collaborating Centre at Public Health Wales, has voiced her concern over the current record levels of drug and alcohol-related deaths in Wales. She remarked, “Detection and prevention of illicit trade in these goods are vital.”
She further noted that effective strategies would need to consider the potential impacts of Brexit on both the supply and demand of these illicit goods.
The post-Brexit landscape may have adversely impacted health and well-being in Wales, thereby increasing the demand for such substances.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Julie Bishop, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health Wales, emphasised the significantly damaging impact of illegally traded alcohol and tobacco on public health.
The worst-off areas of the UK and Wales are more likely to suffer negative health outcomes, including deaths and hospitalisations, from the usage of illicit products.
Three main areas through which Brexit has affected the efforts to tackle illicit trade include changes in data and information sharing, border and import controls, and the dynamics of supply and demand.
The UK no longer has the same access to multiple EU databases as before Brexit. This limitation could hamper its ability to detect and prevent illegal trade.
Border and import controls have also been affected. Although the UK’s position outside the EU’s Single Market or Customs Union could be leveraged to combat illicit trade, new international trade agreements and the introduction of freeports might open new avenues for smuggling.
Brexit’s impact on supply and demand is also noteworthy. New international trade agreements post-Brexit can create fresh supply routes and open opportunities for criminal exploitation.
Risk factors such as increased unemployment in sectors highly exposed to trade and deteriorating mental health due to uncertainty can also trigger increased consumption or misuse of these illicit goods.
Public Health Wales, therefore, stresses the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to decrease both the supply and demand of these illicit goods in the wake of Brexit.
This approach could help mitigate the adverse health impacts and offer a better sense of control and certainty amidst the ongoing changes.
Additionally, ensuring enhanced border security measures and robust cooperation with international law enforcement could aid in preventing illicit trades.
The focus should be on reducing the trade of these harmful products, which would ultimately lead to better public health, especially in the most vulnerable communities.
The findings serve as a wake-up call for public health officials and policy makers, underscoring the urgent need to address the complex issue of illicit trade in the post-Brexit era.
Further research and swift action are required to protect the public’s health and well-being, particularly in the hardest-hit areas of Wales and the rest of the UK.
The broad social and economic changes brought on by Brexit have evidently given rise to new and serious public health concerns.
As the nation adapts to its post-EU reality, tackling these health challenges will require a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that takes into account both the direct and indirect consequences of these vast changes.
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