Police in Cheshire are targeting recreational drug users as part of a six-week crackdown in the county.
“Operation Powdered” will run throughout the summer in a bid to tackle drug-related crime and child criminal exploitation.
Officers from Local Policing Units (LPU) including Crewe and Nantwich, with support of Special Constabulary and police drug dogs, will carry out drug checks at pubs and bars across the borough.
They will target a different area of the county each weekend.
Police chiefs say recreational drug use plays a part in fuelling criminal enterprises, child exploitation and has detrimental impact on wider communities.
Leading the operation, Supt Gareth Wrigley said: “This operation is a proactive approach to ensure we are targeting numerous aspects relating to drugs and organised crime.
“While we are actively pursuing and disrupting organised crime groups we must also educate and inform the public on the impact that taking drugs for pleasure or a lifestyle choice, can have on the community.
“People who take recreational drugs may not be aware that they’re causing anyone harm or playing a part in a criminal enterprise however they are often the final link in a long chain that can be associated with threats and serious violence.”
A digital van will be deployed showing videos in a bid to disrupt and deter recreational drug use.
One of the videos will explore some of the ingredients that could be added to bulk out cocaine which recreational users may not be aware they are inhaling.
Another video will show how children can be at risk of criminal exploitation – targeted by organised criminals who sit at the top of the chain initiating the supply of class A and class B drugs to fund a lavish lifestyle.
Supt Wrigley added: “People using recreational drugs often don’t realise what they are actually taking or the impact that they can have on their health or future career.
“Many illegal drugs often contain a number of other substances which are used as bulking agents – these can include anything from benzocaine to phenacetin, these substances are known to have a number of side effects including seizures, irregular heartbeats even kidney failure.
“In addition, anyone caught in possession of illegal drugs could be arrested and will face the prospect of a criminal record, which can impact them for the rest of their lives.”
Anyone with any information in relation to illegal drug activity in their community is urged to report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tua
(Featured image, library pic courtesy of Cheshire Police)
Recreational ? Not a shred of evidence for a none story like this, the only people targeted are the vulnerable who have a sociable smoke now and then.