POLICE, charity groups and other agencies in Warrington will be taking part in National Tackling Drugs Week next week to highlight the efforts they have made to tackle drugs and drug-related crime in the town.
Main aim is to increase public confidence in and awareness of the work being done locally to respond to concerns people have about drugs.
The week will build upon the success and momentum generated by previous National Tackling Drugs Weeks.
A number of local events will be taking place to increase public awareness of the work being done locally.
On Monday (June 8) the week will start with an open day for Footsteps, a charity that helps family members affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol misuse. It will be at the Gateway in Sankey Street between 12 noon and 2pm.
Contact: 01925 244524
On Wednesday (June 10) there will be a Remembrance Vigil in Queens Garden, Palmyra Square, at 6-8pm for those who have lost their fight with drug or alcohol use. Candles will be lit and balloons released with messages attached to them.
Contact Shelley Firth on 01925 424943.
On Thursday (June 11) there will be a Service User Group open day between 1-4pm
At James Lee House, Brick Street, Warrington. The group is run by those who have experienced drug misuse and they can offer peer support, confidence building and feedback on drug services available in Warrington.
Contact: 01925 246908.
A team four detective constables, led by a detective sergeant, forms the drug squad in Warrington.
They also cover the Widnes and Runcorn areas and have a wealth of experience.
The team is dedicated to targeting the supply of Class A drugs in the area and works closely with other agencies in the prevention and detection of drug related offences.
Over the past 12 months the team has executed numerous warrants in the area and made a significant number of arrests.
More than 30 people were arrested as a result of one recent operation and 11 of them are now serviong sentences of more than 25 years behind bars.
DS Ian Allen said: “We have been involved in several major operations this year including Operation Strikeout. This targeted drug dealers and suppliers and resulted in significant arrests and subsequent charges.
“But our role is not just to act as enforcers. We also have a part to play in long-term strategies to deal with drug abuse and dependency.
“As part of the Safer Halton and Safer Warrington Partnerships we support local agencies and individual workers by providing intelligence, further information and specialist skills which create strong links and ensure those who require help get the best possible service.
“Drugs can be extremely destructive and we will continue to arrest and prosecute those who seek to profit from illegal practices, but will also aim to provide advice and support to those who seek to free themselves from the grip of addiction.”
To find out more about the help and services available in Warrington visit www.warrington.gov.uk
Picture shows police carrying out a drugs raid.
How we are tackling drugs crime
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
