HARM REDUCTION
SOLIDARITY ACROSS THE POND
Even a frosty afternoon didn ’ t stop hundreds from gathering around the world to protest the arrest of the co-founders of the Drug User Liberation Front ( DULF ), says André Gomes
DULF was founded in 2020 in response to a toxic drug supply across Canada . Throughout 2021 , they operated as a ‘ fulfilment centre and compassion club ’ – using community funds , DULF purchased drugs from the darknet , and tested and repackaged them into individual doses for distribution among their drug-using community . This non-medicalised , community-based model of safe supply not only demonstrated the value of a radical model of community care , but it also provided people with the assurance that their drugs were devoid of lethal adulterants , removing much of the unpredictable harm associated with the illegal drug market .
There are many similarities with the current state of the drug market in the UK . Both nations have suffered a spike in drug deaths related to adulterants in the market , and both have a long-standing tradition of harm reduction mobilisation that has been partly co-opted by public health systems and systematic defunding of civil society . And while the Canadians have explored more progressive drug policies in recent years , the UK has remained steadfast in pursuing draconian measures that punish people who use drugs , have used drugs , or ‘ look ’ like they use drugs , whether true or not .
As soon as we heard that the drug-using community was mobilising on the day of DULF ’ s first court hearing , we decided that we needed to demonstrate solidarity from across the Atlantic . We contacted the DULF solidarity team saying we would organise a demonstration at the Canadian embassy – the team were ecstatic , and immediately on board with our work , sharing some details to coordinate action . After announcing our planned international solidarity , a group of allies in Dublin announced another demonstration to be held there on the same day .
In one week , the Release team put together a group of people to produce signs , get a loudspeaker and make as much noise as we could at the Canadian Embassy . It was inspiring to get a group of people to demonstrate on the day and show that there is a global movement of people who use drugs that can be connected and inspire each other to persist in the face of death and adversity .
While DULF ’ s case continues , we will be available to support their actions in the best way we can . This has also inspired us at Release to become more active in our advocacy , encourage more public demonstrations , and fight to ensure that the rights of people who use drugs are protected .
André Gomes is communications lead at Release . Photography by Diala Talaat
16 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • FEBRUARY 2024 WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM