Illegal drug trade is 'biggest threat' facing Suffolk

More than 150 drug arrests have been made in Suffolk this year. Credit: ITV News Anglia

A crackdown on drug dealing in Suffolk has seen more than 150 arrests so far this year.

Around 2,800 wraps of cocaine and heroin have been taken off the streets, and cash and weapons have been seized.

The county's police and crime commissioner has warned the illegal drugs trade is the "biggest threat" facing Suffolk at the moment.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "I completely support the Constabulary's stance in responding to offences linked to the illegal drugs trade, which I find totally evil and despicable.

"However this problem is not going to be solved by police activity and enforcement alone - we must all take responsibility.

"I will do all I can to work with the Chief Constable and other public sectors leaders, public health teams, and education leaders to prioritise the problem in order to crackdown on further crime and prevent more youngsters becoming embroiled."

Among the seizures conducted over the past few months a significant amount of knives and other weapons including knuckledusters, lock knives and a cosh were also recovered across the county.

In one raid in the east of the county approximately 170g of cocaine with a street value of £26,000 and £5,000 in cash was recovered.

Police searching a house for drugs. Credit: ITV News Anglia

County Policing Commander Chief Supt Tonya Antonis said: "These arrests, disruption and seizures are all about us responding to offences linked to illegal drugs activity in the county.

"We want to make Suffolk a hostile environment for those who think they can come into our county and deal drugs, and anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly."