Pubdate: Wed, 22 Dec 2004
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2004
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Author: Alison Purdy

SEVENTEEN JAILED AFTER DRUG CRIME CRACKDOWN

Seventeen people were today beginning jail terms totalling more than
47 years after admitting a series of drugs crimes carried out in a
popular seaside town.

The convictions follow a blitz on crack cocaine and heroin dealing in
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

The gang were arrested after an investigation by Norfolk Police
between July and October this year codenamed Operation Citadel.

An undercover operation began in the summer to coincide with the
influx of visitors to the town and involved a number of officers
buying drugs from the dealers.

Judge Peter Jacobs told Norwich Crown Court that many of the dealers
came from Liverpool or London and targeted Great Yarmouth because of
the availability of cheap accommodation in the town which attracted
vulnerable young people.

Sentencing them to a total of 47 years and three months, the judge
handed down jail terms ranging from 18 months to four and a half years
depending on the individual's involvement.

Some of the worst offenders were just 16-years-old at the time
Operation Citadel was carried out.

Chief Superintendent Ray Adcock, of Norfolk Police, said the "evil of
drug dealing" would not be tolerated in Great Yarmouth.

"Anyone coming to the town with the aim of preying on young and
vulnerable people by peddling drugs can expect the same result as this
group of criminals; arrest, conviction and imprisonment."

This is the second successful operation targeting drug dealers in
Great Yarmouth.

In April this year 26 people were jailed for a total of 97 years after
pleading guilty to carrying out various drug crimes in the town.

A Norfolk police spokesman said there had been a noticeable reduction
in recorded crime in Great Yarmouth during Operation Citadel.

He said the number of burglaries, robberies and car thefts had all
dropped between July and October.

Detective Superintendent Jim Smeardon, who led the operation, said:
"What we are trying to do is reduce the associated crime that comes
with drug dealing by taking out the core dealers."

Suffolk Police today announced they had arrested 28 people as part of
their biggest ever crack down on drugs.

Operation Taurus began in April with raids on homes in Ipswich.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said so far, those arrested have been
sentenced to a total of 75 years, making the operation one of the
force's most successful.
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