FORTY people have been arrested and weapons seized in a week-long drugs crackdown in Suffolk.

Brad Jones

FORTY people have been arrested and weapons seized in a week-long drugs crackdown in Suffolk.

Police also seized heroin worth around £4,000, cocaine worth more than £50,000 and crack with an approximate street value of £750 during National Tackling Drugs Week.

A cannabis factory in Ipswich was also uncovered, with 304 plants seized, and a number of weapons found including two live firearms, three imitation firearms, two swords, two flick knives, seven sheath knives, one medieval mace, a kosh, a baton and two baseball bats.

All are believed to be connected to drug offending. A total of £19,805 of cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and two stolen motorcycles were recovered during searches.

Detective Chief Inspector David Skevington said: “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. 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.”

Joanna Spicer, Suffolk County Council portfolio holder for public protection, health and wellbeing added: “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.