The green light was given for Operation Shark earlier this month in the wake of the death of 19-year-old James Le Bourgeois who died following a suspected reaction to MDMA.
As of Friday, when the initiative was announced to the public, the force had made 14 arrests and raided 12 addresses, seizing £24,000 worth of drugs and £15,000 in cash.
Since then a further 13 arrests have been made, including three for possession with intent to supply. Cannabis worth approximately £6,000 has also been seized as well as about £1,000 of cocaine. Six more raids have taken place and 20 more intelligence reports – information on potential drug activity – filed.
Two men have been charged with supply offences and were last week remanded in custody.
Chief Inspector Mark Hafey, who is leading the operation, said: ‘Whilst we continue to work hard to identify those involved in drug crime, we know that drugs are part of society. We need to make sure that people are also informed so that those choosing to use drugs can make educated decisions.
‘That said, it is illegal. A drugs conviction will result in a criminal record and possibly a prison sentence. It can also seriously affect career prospects and future travel opportunities.
‘I would like to again encourage the public to phone us with any information. The public are our eyes and ears and we all have a responsibility to deter drug crime from our community. I would also like to thank partner agencies for their continued support which is invaluable.
‘To report anything you suspect may be drug related, call us on 612612. If you would rather remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.’
