Pubdate: Wed, 17 Oct 2007
Source: Sheffield Star (UK)
Copyright: Sheffield Newspapers 2007
Contact:  http://www.sheffweb.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/413
Author: Claire Lewis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

POLICE FOLLOW UP DRUGS CRACKDOWN AT MARKET

POLICE in Sheffield have stepped up activity in the city centre to 
prevent a crackdown on drug dealing in and around Sheffield's Castle 
Market from simply moving the problem elsewhere.

A three-day operation last month aimed at tackling suspected dealers 
working around the market led to 21 people being charged with 
supplying Class A drugs, who have all appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court.

Police carried out 29 raids, over the three-day period at the end of 
an operation in February.

Drug workers then patrolled the streets looking for addicts 
struggling to find dealers and offering them places on treatment programmes.

It has not yet been revealed how many drug users took up the offer of 
help to clean up their lives.

The Government-funded Drug Intervention Programme is assessing the 
success of the initiative.

Inspector Neil Mutch, who covers the city centre, said: "We are 
determined not to allow the problem to move elsewhere. We noticed 
some drug activity on The Moor and made an immediate arrest to stamp it out."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom