Safe futures is an initiative supported by the European Union Drugs Agency to strengthen shared understanding of, and responses to, the recruitment and exploitation of young people into criminal drugs networks across Europe. The initiative responds to growing concern that organised drug crime increasingly relies on young people, often those experiencing the greatest vulnerability, as labour in drug supply activities and associated violence, creating an interlinked security, social and public health challenge requiring coordinated, evidence-informed action.

This report emphasises the research...

The present Handbook is one of a series of practical tools developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to support countries in the implementation of the standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice. These standards and norms support the rule of law, human rights and a culture of lawfulness through the development of crime prevention and criminal justice reform. The Handbook can be used in a variety of contexts, including as part of UNODC technical assistance and capacity-building projects, whether as a reference document or a training tool. A number of...

New research examining more than 62,000 criminal incidents across 13 police forces in England found that police-led drug diversion schemes are associated with significantly lower reoffending rates than traditional prosecution for drug possession. Individuals who were referred to treatment or education services through diversion programmes were around one-third less likely to reoffend than those who were prosecuted.

The study also found that diversion schemes remain underused, with many eligible individuals not being referred despite established programmes in some police forces. Researchers...

This paper examines the development and early outcomes of the Thames Valley Police Drugs Diversion Pilot in West Berkshire, which offers people found in possession of drugs an opportunity to engage with treatment rather than receive a conventional criminal justice sanction. It places the initiative within the wider evolution of UK drug policy and compares it with similar police-led diversion schemes in England and Wales.

Early findings show mixed engagement with treatment: while many eligible individuals initially accepted the offer, 55% did not go on to enter treatment. However, among those...

Arrest Referral (AR) schemes in London were established to connect people who use drugs with treatment services at the point of arrest through collaboration between police and drug service providers. Based on interviews with police officers and drug workers, the study explores the practical challenges of delivering treatment referrals within police custody settings, differences in professional perspectives, and the development of effective working relationships over time. The findings highlight the value of collaboration between health and criminal justice agencies in improving referral...

This paper examines how heroin trafficking routes from Afghanistan into Europe have evolved following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. It explores the changing dynamics of the northern and southern trafficking routes, highlighting how geopolitical developments, shifts in enforcement, and changing trafficking methods have increased the importance of alternative pathways, particularly through the Caucasus.

The paper also describes broader changes in the global drug market. While heroin continues to be supplied through existing stockpiles, adulterated products, and new cultivation, global...

This chapter reviews the evidence on the relationship between religion, crime, and the criminal justice system. It highlights a growing body of research showing a consistent inverse association between religiosity and criminal behaviour, suggesting that higher levels of religious involvement are often linked to lower levels of offending.

The authors also discuss how these findings can inform crime prevention strategies and criminal justice policy. They argue that collaboration between faith communities and criminal justice systems may strengthen prevention efforts and contribute to more...

This report examines how and why young people are recruited into criminal drug networks across Europe. It highlights the range of factors that can increase vulnerability to recruitment, including social and economic disadvantage, peer influence, family circumstances, and community environments.

Drawing on international evidence, the report identifies several promising approaches to prevention, including family-based support, school-based interventions, community engagement, digital prevention initiatives, and targeted efforts to disrupt criminal networks. It also emphasizes the importance of...