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An operation targeting users and dealers of Class A drugs in Leicester has so far resulted in 30 arrests. Operation Chrome was launched in the City at the start of May following a period of evidence and intelligence gathering regarding users and street dealers of Class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin. To date, a number of warrants have been executed at homes in the city under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and a total of 30 people have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Eighteen of those have since been charged and one man is already serving two years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis and two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. A further three have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Further arrests will take place throughout July. Detective Inspector Tony Yarwood, who is leading the operation, said: "Operation Chrome is disrupting drug dealing in the city and bringing those responsible to justice. We will also be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize any money or assets that dealers have acquired as a result of their illegal activities. "Enforcement is not the only element to this operation though. We are working with our partners to ensure that appropriate rehabilitation is offered to offenders to help them break the cycle of offending. Support and advice is also being offered to the families they leave behind to help them move forward. "Following each warrant, houses in the area have been leafleted to inform residents of the action taken and to reassure them of the Force's commitment to disrupting drug dealing and making their communities a safer place to live." Chief Inspector Andy Haydon from the City BCU said: "I hope the results of this operation so far, send out a clear message to dealers of Class A drugs in Leicester. We are committed to gathering intelligence and taking the necessary action to tackling drugs supply which is so destructive to our communities. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partner agencies who are all playing a role in reducing the menace of drugs misuse in the city." Anyone with information about drug dealing is asked to call Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111. |
