Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2003
Source: Worthing Today (UK)
Contact: http://www.worthingtoday.co.uk/contactus.asp
Copyright: 2003 Johnston Press New Media
Website: http://www.worthingtoday.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2782
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

POLICE PLEDGE CANNABIS CRACKDOWN

POLICE will go "all out" to shut Worthing's cannabis cafes as part of a new 
zero tolerance approach District commander, chief inspector Russ Whitfield 
(pictured), said criminals were making thousands of pounds a day out of the 
cafes in Victoria Road and Brougham Road and anyone entering or leaving 
would be searched and arrested if found to be in possession of illegal drugs.

He said: "My view is that these cafes are now devoid of any political 
campaign and are highly organised criminal enterprises. "We have tried to 
police this sympathetically by recognising the individuals' views but the 
organisers and users of the cafes have abused this. "We are now working all 
out to shut these premises down."

Officers, supported by specialist drugs dogs, will patrol outside the two 
sites as part of Operation Harrow, a major investigation in the supply of 
illegal drugs in Worthing.

Chief inspector Whitfield said: "This is not about the pros and cons for 
the legalisation of cannabis. What we have here in Worthing has progressed 
into organised crime with criminals making a huge amount of money out of an 
illegal activity. "I am seeking the support of the council and other 
partners because Worthing needs to appreciate this is not just a police 
problem."

He said officers had counted 200 callers to both cafes during one day.

Detective inspector Nigel Brown is leading the investigation. He said: "The 
operation should be taken as an indication of our determination to 
thoroughly investigate the illegal supply of drugs in Worthing.

"Not only are people who are buying and selling cannabis breaking the law 
but the cafe is having a detrimental effect on local residents and 
businesses. "We want to reassure them that this activity will not be tolerated."
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