Police launch drugs fightback (From Free Press Series)

Police launch drugs fightback

POLICE have launched a major crackdown on crime and drugs in Monmouth.

Three operations have taken place in the past month to tackle drug-related crime and to increase the presence of police in the town.

The major drugs crusade has led to a number of arrests for the possession of class A drugs, amphetamines and cannabis.

Police have particularly targeted Chippenham Park playing fields as an area for drug problems and a large quantity of ecstasy tablets were seized during a search last week.

Around 78 tablets were found by police during the search on Friday, February 13 and local officers say they are pleased such a large quantity of drugs have been taken off the streets of Monmouth.

Inspector Geoff Smith said: "Chippenham Fields is an area frequented by young people. I strongly and genuinely believe this arrest has had an impact on the availability of ecstasy and there is evidence to suggest that the availability of ecstasy in Monmouth has greatly reduced.

"I certainly hope these people who have ideas of dealing with this nasty substance for profit think twice about it."

Operation Floral and Operation Engineer were two initiatives that aimed to identify, arrest and disrupt the activities of drug dealers in the Monmouth area.

Police have launched a third initiative, Operation Emery, which is geared towards public reassurance by increasing foot patrols and the number of police vehicles in the town.

Monmouth police hope this will encourage more people to approach them with information on crime and will reduce the public's fear of crime.

Operation Engineer will continue until next Saturday and during that time, police will visit community leaders and victims of crime.

Inspector Smith said: "We would ask the public to approach us and to speak to us with any information they can about crime and disorder.

" I intend to work closely with the community and I am 100 per cent behind the community warden scheme. The ward managers who will be looking to work with other agencies on a more problem solving approach."