Police campaign targets Class A drug dealers

A three-month police campaign has been launched to clamp down on local Class A drug markets across the UK.

Entitled 'Operation Crackdown', the scheme, which involves 32 police forces in England and Wales, aims to close drug dens and disrupt local drug markets, as well as also seize illegal firearms and bring dealers to justice. Another aim of 'Operation Crackdown' is to work closely with local communities.

The campaign, which is being co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Home Office, is part of the government and police service's major operation to tackle the drug problem and reduce crime.

Commenting on the launch of 'Operation Crackdown', Home Office Minister, Caroline Flint, said: "There is a clear link between Class A drugs and crime, including gun crime, and the government is determined to do everything it can to tackle harm caused by drugs. '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."

The Minister said that police forces would be working with local authorities, treatment workers and drug action teams throughout the campaign and also said that the scheme aimed to get more drug users into treatment, to help reduce crime and make communities safer.

'Operation Crackdown', which will run from January 12 to March 31, 2005, is part of the government's national drug strategy, which also includes the Drug Intervention Programme to tackle drug-using offenders and the FRANK helpline, which provides parents and young people with reliable information about drugs. The government is currently investing around £453 million a year in drug treatment.

Further information about 'Operation Crackdown' and the National Drug Strategy is available from www.homeoffice.gov.uk

(KMcA/SP)