23 Arrested In Peterborough

6 June 2011, 17:41 | Updated: 6 June 2011, 17:48

23 people have been arrested in Peterborough on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.

Around 80 officers have been involved in today's operation, and raided properties in parts of Peterborough including Paston, Eastfield, West Town, Fengate, Millfield and the Ortons.

Other suspects were brought in from Peterborough Prison or arrested on streets around Peterborough.

It's part of "Operation Riptide", a crackdown on the supply of drugs like Crack Cocaine and Heroin in the city and the associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Paul Rogers, the force's lead on drugs, said: "Today's arrests are the result of months of hard work by officers since Operation Riptide began and they are by no means the end.

Over the months ahead police and other SaferPeterborough agencies will remain totally committed to tackling criminals who supply illegal drugs to the vulnerable.

I would like to thank the wider community who have provided us with essential information about drug dealing in Peterborough and urge them to continue doing so."

Chief Insp Rogers also emphasised the ongoing work by SaferPeterborough agencies to get people off drugs.

He said: "This is a very important element of the overall campaign because it reduces demand and disrupts the market that dealers rely on.

We are engaging with drug users who want to get help, offering them support and warning them that some drugs on the market could cause them serious harm."

Karen Kibblewhite, SaferPeterborough Manager at Peterborough City Council, said: "This enforcement work is an important part of our approach to tackling drug use and making the city a safer place.

As a partnership we work hard to support drug users to access treatment services to end their drug use.

This operation sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate drug dealing in Peterborough.

We aim to reduce the supply and availability of drugs in our city and help those who are already using drugs to successfully recover."