DEWVA Conference 2024:

The Drug Expert Witness & Valuation Association (DEWVA) successfully hosted its annual conference on the 11th and 12th of November 2024, bringing together over 320 law enforcement drug experts from across the UK. The event provided an invaluable platform for professional development, collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge within the field.

The conference was officially opened by DEWVA President, Chief Constable Lucy D’orsi, who welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of expert witnesses in the fight against drug-related crime.

The two-day event featured an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and engaging presentations on key topics, including: 

• Celia Hodgson - National Crime Agency: An overview of the UK Drugs Threat 

• Professor Jon Cole - University of Liverpool: Novel Synthetic Opioids 

• Tony Saggers - StraTacLogical LTD: The Impact of Albanian Organised Crime on the UK Drug Market 

• Sarah Waters & Claire Pickthall - Cardiff University: Disclosure: The Experts’ Perspective 

• Bond Solon: Roles & Duties of an Expert Witness 

• Ian King - HMPPS: Drugs in Prisons – Synthetic Opioids 

• Cullan Mais, a reformed drug user: My Story 

• Dr. Sunny Nayee, Clinical Lead at Integro Medical Clinics, and Alex Fraser, Patient Access Lead at Grow Pharma 

The event underscored the critical role of expert witnesses in addressing drug-related challenges, while also serving as a forum for fostering innovation and sharing best practices. Attendees lauded the depth of information presented and the opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders in the field. 

During the conference, DEWVA announced new leadership appointments, with Amanda Meritt from Kent Police stepping in as Vice Chair and Nick Lowden from Northumbria Police assuming the role of Chair. These changes signal a fresh chapter in DEWVA’s leadership. 

Special recognition was also given to retiring long serving committee members Steve Hamilton of Norfolk Constabulary and Gus Miller of Durham Constabulary. Both were commended for their years of dedicated service and significant contributions to DEWVA’s mission. 

The 2024 DEWVA Conference stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and expertise in the ongoing effort to better understand the workings and intricacies of drug crime, leaving attendees inspired and better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.