Posted on 1st May 2012
Derbyshire Constabulary has pledged to keep communities better informed about the work officers are doing to tackle drugs in the county.
A new section of the force website| is being launched today (Tuesday, May 1) so that residents can find out what's happening in their neighbourhood.
The force will publish details of drugs cases including warrants, stop searches and drugs dog operations.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: “Drugs can have a serious impact on any community, affecting the quality of life for the people who live and work there and we’re committed to tackling the problem.
“I hope people use the new section of the website| to find out more about the action we’re taking and in turn, feel confident in coming forward with information about drugs in their area.”
Between April 1 2011 and March 31 2012, there were 2,768 drugs offences in the county compared to 2,615 for the same period the previous year.
ACC Steve Cotterill said these offences are recorded by the force following enforcement activity and show that the Derbyshire police had even greater success in combating the problem than in previous years.
He said: “This rise of six per cent can be attributed to greater information coming from communities and the good work of officers.
“We rely on people to come forward and tell us if they suspect there is drug dealing in their neighbourhood.
“This allows us to gather intelligence and take action.”
On Thursday, April 26, officers in Derby carried out a drugs warrant at a house in Wiln Street, Pear Tree. They found more than 100 suspected cannabis plants growing in three different rooms. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and was released on bail pending further inquiries.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at a house in Hoselett Field Road, Long Eaton on the same day after police discovered a small number of cannabis plants inside. He has also been bailed while inquiries continue.
If you have information about drugs, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.
Derbyshire drugs facts
In 2011, police discovered 222 cannabis farms in Derbyshire.
At these farms, there were a total of 17, 642 cannabis plants.
Since April 1st, 166 people in the county have been arrested on suspicion of committing drug-related offences.
Derbyshire Constabulary has eight drug dogs which work across the county.