Video: Major drug operation hailed as success as Ipswich dealers Clare Rivett and Antonio Bennett are jailed for 33 months

Drug dealer Antonio Bennett (Image: Archant)

Operation Furniture has been hailed as a success by senior officers following a series of raids around the town including premises in Tye Road, Foundation Street, Finchley Road and All Saints Road

Other raids also took place in Woolwich and Plumstead during the targeting of London drug-dealers plying their trade in Suffolk.

A total of 28 arrests were made during the week-long crackdown with many of the suspects still on bail.

Less then six weeks after their arrests, Antonio Bennett and Clare Rivett, who lived in a flat in Finchley Road, were jailed for 33 months each.

Rivett, 38, admitted eight counts of supplying heroin and crack cocaine while Bennett, 36, pleaded guilty to 13 counts.

Detective Superintendent Steve Mattin, of Suffolk and Norfolk’s Police’s serious and organised crime unit, said; “Bennett and Rivett were two of the arrests made during a week of activity to target those involved in dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Ipswich, linked to London networks, following a major operation that started in autumn last year.

“A number of law enforcement techniques were used to gather evidence of drug-dealing and the operation culminated in a series of co-ordinated arrests from Sunday April 6.

“From our point of view the operation has been very successful both in terms of arrests and finds, with thousands of pounds worth of drugs seized to add further weight to the material we gathered prior to the arrest phase.

“Twelve of the original 28 have so far been charged with various drugs supply offences, with a number going through the courts process, while others remain on police bail as our work continues.

“This operation aimed to provide reassurance to communities in Ipswich that we are taking action against those suspected of being involved in dealing Class A drugs and we will continue to ensure that Suffolk is a hostile environment for those operating in the drug market, working to disrupt the activities of criminals who cause misery to individuals and communities in the county.

“Anyone with information about the supply of drugs should contact Suffolk Police by dialling 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, on 0800 555 111.

“Although it sometimes takes time to gather the evidence needed for enforcement action we are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug dealers.”