New drugs squad sees massive rise in arrests (From Gazette & Herald)

New drugs squad sees massive rise in arrests

A NEW drugs squad covering a large part of North Yorkshire, including Ryedale, has resulted in a 300pc rise in arrests for trafficking.

The squad has a sergeant and five police constables covering Ryedale, Scarborough, Whitby and Hambleton, and was set up following an influx of cash from the Government's crime fighting fund, which enabled a specialist team of 20 officers to be formed across North Yorkshire.

The officers covering the Ryedale area make up one of three squads.

"Their role is primarily targeting drugs dealers in their areas," said Det Insp Ian Wills, who added that the number of arrests for drug trafficking in the county had shot up by about 300pc since the squad was set up in October.

The battle against drug abuse in the county was being stepped up, said DI Wills, who heads the squad county-wie.

Between October and January the squad was responsible for 65 class A drug trafficking arrests - 47 for heroine, nine for crack cocaine and nine for ecstasy.

There were also 21 arrests made for supplying class B drugs, he added.

In the course of the arrests, about £18,000 in cash was seized and, as a result of the operations, police were looking at seizing assets worth about £150,000.

Arrests had also been made for burglary, theft and handling stolen goods - all resulting from the drug scene, said DI Wills.

"We are anxious to stop people becoming addicts by giving them advice and information, as ignorance is the cause of many becoming addicts. Drugs are often a reaction to the wretched lives some people live," he said.

"We have to reduce the dependence of people on drugs and demand for them."

Police are putting emphasis on treatment of drug takers because jailing them can often have little impact, he said.

"We have seen a huge increase in the number of dealers we have taken out."

He said the rise in offences of using class A drugs had been similar in Ryedale to the rest of the county.

DI Wills said the police were aiming to make it as difficult as possible for dealers to sell drugs and at the same time attempting to reduce the demand.

He said the squad officers had a policy of talking to drug users, in some cases referring them for treatment. "We discuss with them the ramifications of what they are doing, both legally and from a health point of view. They get one chance - if they don't comply they are prosecuted. We are saying 'We will help you, but on our terms'."

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, April 11, 2002