Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 Source: South London Press (UK) Copyright: Trinity Mirror Plc 2005 Contact: http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3106 DROP IN NUMBER OF DRUG DEALER ARRESTS DRUG dealer arrests in Croydon have dropped by 45 per cent in the past four years. New figures from London Mayor Ken Livingstone show that in 2001 there were 64 arrests in the borough for supplying or possession with intent to supply all Class A and Class B drugs, excluding cannabis. But in 2004 it dropped to just 35. This follows successful operations by Croydon Police, including an operation in November when they arrested a drugs mastermind in South Norwood who had imported two kilos of cocaine using parcel delivery services. Jude Onwuyaluo, 30, of Silverbirch Close, Thamesmead, Kent, was jailed for 10 years in May. Mark Carroll, manager of The Oaks Resource Centre, in London Road, which helps people with drug problems, said the drop in arrests had made no difference to the numbers they treated. He said: "We have not noticed a change one way or the other. Business is brisk and the numbers in treatment are rising but that reflects an increase in our capacity as well as better links with the criminal justice system which now incorporates treatment in sentencing. There are so many things that are changing it is difficult to pin down the cause." A police spokesman was unavailable for comment as the Advertiser went to press. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth