Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jan 2005
Source: Oldham Evening Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: Oldham Evening Chronicle 2005
Contact:  http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1151

DRUG DEALERS WARNED TO EXPECT POLICE RAIDS

DRUG dealers in Oldham can expect to have their homes raided over the
next few weeks as police start a three-month crackdown.

Det Chief Insp John Piekos said his officers will be targeting drug
dealers and offenders who commit robberies and burglaries to feed
their habit.

It is part of a national crackdown on cocaine and heroin dealers which
will be focusing on closing crack houses and associated gun crime.

However, Mr Piekos said that while Oldham did not have a major problem
with crack houses, class-A drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, were an
issue.

 From today, drug users and dealers can expect to have their front
doors forced and homes searched as part of the clampdown.

Mr Piekos said: "Our focus is the people who are linked to street
crime. I would like to send a strong message to the people who commit
crime to feed their habit that we know who they are and we will be
coming for them."

"The behaviour of drug dealers will not be tolerated in our
communities and those responsible will be brought to justice and face
harsh penalties."

The operation will make use of the powers in the Anti-Social
Behaviour Act, bringing dealers to justice and seizing their drugs,
assets and firearms.

The operation will include covert surveillance, undercover operations
and stop-and-search procedures.

Andy Hayman, drugs spokesman for the Association of Chief Police
Officers, said: "Class A drugs remain a pressing priority for the
police service, given the threat and danger they present to society."

"This campaign demonstrates the police service and GovernmentA's
commitment to target and reduce the supply of class A drugs in
communities across the country by using a series of enforcement
measures to dismantle class A drug markets, disrupt drug-dealing
operations and get more drug users into treatment."
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MAP posted-by: Derek