UK: Drug crackdown nets 963 arrests

[Oldbillplod]

The first four weeks of a crackdown on Class A drugs has led to the seizure of 22 kilos of cocaine and 963 arrests for drug dealing, the Home Office has confirmed.

Operation Crackdown has also led to the closure of 42 crack houses and seized cash totalling more than £900,000.

In all, 413 people were charged with supplying Class A drugs and 157 firearms were seized during police operations.

Officers also confiscated 1.5 kilos of crack cocaine, 17 kilos of heroin and 16,000 ecstasy tablets.

Drugs minister Caroline Flint said: "The figures show that Operation Crackdown is delivering real results in tackling Class A drug markets, which can devastate lives and communities.

"Operation Crackdown sends a clear message to drug dealers that their behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and that they will be brought to justice and face harsh penalties as a result."

Nottinghamshire deputy chief constable and the campaign's national co-ordinator, Howard Roberts, said: "Those who engage in drugs supply should recognise it will be a short career and prison will be the outcome."

Operation Crackdown is taking place in 33 police forces in England and Wales from January 12 to March 31.