Anti-drugs operation a huge success

A THREE-month police operation targeting drug dealers and users across the Warrington, Widnes and Runcorn areas has been hailed as a huge success.
Operation Impact involved police officers and support staff from the three towns working together to tackle problem addresses and individuals that have been identified as causing drug-related anti-social problems for residents throughout the area.
A total of 37 search warrants have been executed during the three month period and more than 60 individuals have been dealt with for drugs offences ranging from simple possession up to possession with intent to supply and drug importation.
Drugs and cash have been seized and a large number of people have been put before the courts.
Aim of the operation was to act upon information provided by local communities in an attempt to tackle anti-social behaviour linked to illegal drug use and supply.
Police have also worked with staff from other agencies, such as housing officers, drug treatment teams and council staff in an effort to focus on these drug linked problems together.
To try to break the cycle of addiction that sits behind the drug use and antisocial behaviour, police have referred many individuals to drug action teams in Warrington and Halton.
Detective Sergeant Ian Allen of the Northern area Dedicated Drug Unit said: “This operation has been a huge success on all fronts. We have worked together with other agencies to deal with both the causes and effects of illegal drug use on our communities utilizing both enforcement and support. We have listened to local residents and acted on reports of antisocial behaviour linked to drugs. We have targeted addresses, individuals and areas linked to drug dealing and drug use.”
DCI Paul Beauchamp said: “Operation Impact makes clear the commitment that the police and partner agencies have to targeting those people that undermine our communities and bring misery to residents through their involvement in the illegal use and supply of controlled drugs.
“The dedication of the staff involved in the operation has been outstanding and I would like to assure the public across Warrington and Halton that we will always to act on the information provided to us. The corrosive effect that drug abuse and associated criminality has on our communities is well known, and we are committed to a relentless focus on tackling the problem and targeting those involved.”