Added: 29/05/2008

Category: Suffolk Constabulary

Forty people were arrested in a major week-long campaign against drugs dealers in Suffolk.

Suffolk Constabulary executed 40 warrants as part of National Tackling Drugs Week (19th – 23rd May).

Officers were involved in the seizure of heroin worth around £4000, cocaine worth over £50,000 and crack with an approximate street value of £750. A cannabis factory was also uncovered in Ipswich, with 304 plants seized.

During the week of action a number of weapons were found including two live firearms, three imitation firearms, two swords, two flick knives, seven sheath knives, one medieval mace, one kosh, one baton and two baseball bats, which are all believed to be connected to drug offending.

£19805 of cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and two stolen motorcycles were recovered during searches.

Detective Chief Inspector David Skevington commented: “Suffolk Constabulary is dedicated to targeting drug dealing, drug misuse and the associated crime. This campaign aims to highlight the positive work we do all year round in taking drugs and dealers off the streets. The results of the week show it has had a positive impact and has been a real success.

“However, we will not be complacent. Local agencies are working effectively together to tackle and reduce drug-related crime in communities countywide and that work is ongoing - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our message is clear: we will continue to disrupt drug use and dealing in Suffolk and prosecutions will be robustly pursued. We will also work to ensure community concerns regarding drugs are reported and acted upon.”

Councillor Joanna Spicer, portfolio holder for public protection, health and wellbeing said: "We are very pleased to have been involved in National Tackling Drugs Week. Complimenting the enforcement activity across the county, we have been able to highlight the crucial work of Suffolk's drug treatment agencies.

“We all recognise that drug and alcohol misuse is an ever present problem in society, I hope that campaigns like this will help to reassure the community that dedicated services work all year long to combat drug dealing, to provide treatment to those that seek help and help people escape drug using lifestyles, and that over time we are making a real difference."

If you have information about drug activity in your local area, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are worried about your drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend or relative, then call the DAAT helpline on 01473 299640 between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday to get advice and information.

For more information about drugs log-on to the FRANK website: www.talktofrank.com or phone 0800 77 66 00.