Police seize thousands of hard drug wraps across county during last year
Thousands of class A drug wraps were seized across Suffolk last year. Picture: PRESS ASSOCIATION - Credit: PA
Police seized more than 6,800 wraps of class A drugs across Suffolk last year.
More than half of drug arrests were made in the Ipswich area – mostly by the constabulary’s own Urban Street Gang Unit.
As well as arrests, more than £70,000 was seized and 162 search warrants executed across Suffolk.
The force last year brought three area operations – south, west and east – under the single banner, Velocity, to improve coordination of enforcement.
Of 371 arrests, 210 were made in the Ipswich area (south) – more than half by the unit dedicated to tackling largely drug related crime and antisocial behaviour connected to gangs.
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County policing commander, Chief Superintendent Jen Eves said: “These arrests and seizures are all about us responding to offences linked to illegal drugs activity. This is something we simply won’t tolerate.
“More long term work is underway with our partners to develop our response further, focusing on prevention and vulnerability. The enforcement police carry out is only one tactical option that deals with the immediate issues.”
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Ipswich commander, Supt Kerry Cutler said: “These figures clearly demonstrate that our officers and staff are working hard to make an impact. It is not just about enforcement – police and other partners need to educate and support people who have found themselves in a vulnerable situation and want to make positive changes to their lives.
“Policing alone will not solve the issue of drug addiction and we need to ensure everyone is playing their part to protect the community from drugs.”
Police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore said: “I went out with the Urban Street Gang Unit back in August as an observer and was extremely impressed by the fantastic work being carried out by the constabulary to combat the drug issue in our county.
“I was absolutely shocked to see three young boys – the youngest was aged about 14 – stopped with class A drugs in Ipswich in the middle of the afternoon. I find it extremely sad to see how vulnerable young people are being dragged into this dark and sinister world.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that we will work with local government partners and the voluntary sector to protect Suffolk from the destructive impact of drug related crime.”
