ABOUT US
We're a diverse group of Newcastle residents and graduate journalists. We've set up Stay On The Safe Side in efforts to reduce drug-related accidents and misinformation among resident students of Newcastle.
We're here to critically assess drug policy reform in the UK and more specifically Newcastle, as well as consider contrasting opinions and encourage safe drug use above all. We acknowledge that drug use among students is somewhat normalised and, while we don't encourage it, we urge student's to educate themselves and practice safe and responsible drug use.
At the end of 2017 and start of 2018, Newcastle was struck by series of drug scandals, that led to the temporary closing down of popular student nightclubs and bars. Later on, more attention was brought to 'smart drug' use by the press. These events have left us concerned about those vulnerable and ill-educated on safe drug use.
Above all, we support staying on the safe side!
OUR TEAM
Hi, I’m Daisy, and I am studying international multimedia journalism at Newcastle University.
I moved to Newcastle from China. In my hometown ‘drug use’ is a taboo topic and the selling or consumption of drugs is not only frowned upon but also a serious criminal offence. Working on the Stay On The Safe Side project has broadened my perspective on drugs – drug consumption is a personal choice. Simultaneously it is critical to have a level of awareness of safe drug use, especially for students, as this might be the key to protecting self from the dangers of overdose.
Hi, I'm Lucy and currently studying Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. I'm a writer and editor of Stay On The Safe Side.
I think our project is important to Newcastle because it thrives on being a university town where loads of students live. Newcastle is known for its nightlife and I think it's important to raise awareness with drug taking. If you're going to take drugs, which is inevitable that it might as well be done in the safest way possible!
I’m Olivia, currently studying international multimedia journalism at Newcastle University.
I had never come across drugs or drug use prior to arriving at Newcastle, and it is certainly not common to encounter drug use around university campuses in China. Upon my work on the Stay On The Safe Side project, I have come to conclude that the numbers around the UK of drug abuse are spreading and raising. I’m in no place to criticize the rights and the wrongs of drug use, but I can and am determined to spread and establish ‘safety awareness’ to eliminate unnecessary harm and dangers. This is the gravity that this project holds.
Hi, I'm Lexin. I’m originally from China, currently, I'm studying media and journalism in Newcastle.
I believe the Stay On The Safe Side project holds an importance because it focuses on a diverse spectrum of Newcastle students their opinions on drug use and even their own experiences – both positive and negative. I trust the videos and other content featured here will persuade people to stay on the safe side.
I’m Simona, a journalism graduate and have lived in Newcastle for the past 5 years.
During my time in Newcastle, I have run into numerous student’s that have either heavily dabbled in drugs or just tried them as a one-off. In both instances, I have never met anyone that would use scales or not mix whatever they were taking with alcohol. Most of the time these individuals would blindly trust their dealer and wouldn't even have heard of drug testing kits. This exactly why I believe what we are trying to do at the Stay On The Safe Side is so crucial to all Newcastle resident's especially the student population.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRUG SCANDAL
In July of 2017, the police launched Operation Doncaster to investigate the drug abuse in Newcastle central city.
After investigation, 18 people were arrested in suspicion of supplying drugs. Four bars: Madame Koo, Florita’s, The Empress, and House of Smith were given a closure order on December 18, 2017 till January 4th, 2018.
“Drug dealers moved freely through the premises,” the chief inspector David Pickett said to the Chronicle, “they are welcomed into the venue, avoiding the queueing public on the street and were never subject to searched and payment for entry”.
Northumbria police are continuing an undercover investigation into multiple bars and has requested with the Newcastle council to review Yolo Townhouse’s licence due to the evidence of drug supply from Operation Doncaster.
In August of 2017, operation Murus was launched to investigate recently discovered drug needles and syringes in Byker, Newcastle.
The inspector Kirsty Smith told the Chronicle, “we seized an estimated £3000 worth of heroin along with a large quantity of Spice (synthetic cannabis) and some cannabis plants.”
FOI requested by the Chronicle revealed that in the first 7 months of 2017, the total number of drug users in Newcastle was greater than the recorded number in the whole year of 2016. A council spokesperson also confirmed to the Chronicle that illegal drug taking has increased in Newcastle.
The use of Spice has been prevalent among people in Newcastle. In March, over 130 drug related incidents resulted in north-east ambulance call outs.
Per police statistics there were 454 amount of crimes involving drugs in the Newcastle NE1 area throughout 2017.
In April 2018, nine men have gone on trial accused of being part of a major heroin and cocaine trafficking network.