New film asks if drug use is just black and white

WHAT’S THE COST of a wrap of drugs? It’s not just the money the purchaser hands over to the dealer. That’s the point the Metropolitan Police are making in a new short film brought out to help young people understand the wider picture of illegal drugs.

Fair Trade watches an ordinary boy – Jason Bojai, 15 – who goes along an all too familiar journey for London teens.  He is spotted by a South London gang, which then grooms him, recruits him, includes him, wins over his trust – and then isolates him, exploits him and, finally, lets him takes risks to help them get their money. It’s not all about life on the hard streets. The film also shows the wealthier young people whose demands for the drugs to fuel their party lifestyle needs gangs to operate in order to supply them.

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Rose of the Metropolitan Police said, “The Fair Trade film is a powerful reminder of the true cost of illegal drugs. We know drugs are linked to a high proportion of violence in London. Young vulnerable people have lost their lives and will continue to be painfully exploited by gangs because of demands as a result of middle class drug use.

“Ignorance is not bliss. By purchasing drugs off the street, you are supporting this poisonous and illicit industry. We want people to watch this film and understand how they can help us in fighting violence and stopping those gangs exploiting children and vulnerable people.”

Leon Oldstrong, writer and director of Fair Trade, said, “This was a challenging film for me as I believe there are too many films that portray the Black experience and gang culture as synonymous, however I felt that it was well past due to address the role of white middle-class drug use in youth violence – the role of the drug user who doesn’t need to turn to crime to fuel their habit and is continually ‘let off the hook’. Conversely I felt that I could illustrate the fact that those who end up involved in gang culture and selling drugs are victims too. As London moves out of lockdown it is clear that things will not be the same as they were before, they can’t be. My hope is that Fair Trade will play a part in serious youth violence no longer being seen as normal.”

●For more information about Fair Trade and a link to resources which can be used by teachers, youth workers, etc., go to:
www.fairtrademovie.co.uk

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