Drug Wars

The first single-volume history of the UK’s War on Drugs, and the lost history of how Britain fits into this global policy disaster.

Calling upon the gripping first-hand accounts from those on all sides of this battle – cops, gangsters, drug users and politicians – as well as the authors’ own experiences as an undercover drugs detective and an investigative reporter, Drug Wars builds a complex, authentic and terrifying picture of the reality of the drug war in Britain.

Beginning with the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1971, we watch decades of violence, racial tension, organised crime and a monumental increase in addiction and corruption unfold. We see the birth of rave music and dance culture, and ever-increasing tabloid hysteria. And throughout, we look at the huge numbers of civilians that have fallen victim to the failing policies of the global War on Drugs.