Police warning to drug dealers: 'We'll be back!' (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Police warning to drug dealers: 'We'll be back!'

DRUG dealers beware - you are about to be paid a visit!

That is the message from police in Cirencester, who are stepping up their campaign against people they believe are involved in the local trade.

Officers have been mounting weekly raids in the town recently and have made a number of arrests.

In the latest raid, last Wednesday, police decked in full body armour crept through deserted streets on the town's Beeches estate, before smashing down the door of a flat with a heavy battering ram.

Officers rushed in, amid shouts and a stream of obscenities from the startled occupants.

Almost immediately, a man was restrained and handcuffed, while his tattooed friend and a young woman were told to remain calm.

Acting Sergeant Tim Griffiths of Cirencester's Street Offences Unit said police efforts are already disrupting the local drugs trade.

"If we believe people are actively involved in drug dealing, they can expect a visit from us," he said.

"The reason we've been able to secure warrants (permission to carry out the raids) is as a result of the public giving us more and more information. "So long as people contact us, we'll keep going to the courts to get the warrants."

Hardline drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin have been available in Cirencester for some time.

But, thanks to the police clampdown, addicts have admitted they are finding it more and more difficult to secure their next "hit".

During the Beeches estate raid, a large quantity of suspected cannabis and equipment believed to be associated with drugs was seized.

Measuring scales and a knife have since been sent away for forensic analysis after suspicious traces of white powder were discovered.

Officers and a sniffer dog spent two hours carrying out a meticulous search of the premises and surrounding land.

The latest high-tec electrical equipment was easily visible through the front door, along with children's toys on the living room floor.

Police say no youngsters were actually present during the raid. The occupants were frequently warned for their abusive language.

Eventually, a scruffy young man was led handcuffed and smiling from the flat and into a waiting police car.

A 20-year-old local man has been charged with possession of cannabis and is due to appear before Cirencester magistrates later this month.

Acting Sgt Griffiths said: "We would ask people, please keep ringing us and telling us what's happening and we will look to take further action either at new addresses or at those we have already done."

* Anyone with information on local drug dealers can speak to the police in confidence on 0845 0901234 or 0800 555111.

Pictured: Police lead a suspect away in handcuffs. Identities have been blurred for legal and police operational reasons.