Help smash drugs crime in covert op

Operation Falcon has been conducted under cover since its launch in January and has already led to 25 arrests, with a range of Class A drugs, weapons and cash seized in raids.

And in revealing the details of the mission, in which 30 officers have been working under cover, the force urged people to help catch the on-street drug dealers.

Sergeant Ian Whitehead said: "This is part of our drive to combat anti-social behaviour and it is something that has come to the forefront as affecting people's quality of life.

"People are sick and tired of seeing the overt nature of drug dealing where they live and a lot of work has already been done with people coming forward and providing information.

"We can only act on what we are told by the public and anything they tell us must be corroborated before we act, so people needn't worry if they are not sure.

"We would like to hear from them if they have any information or suspicions."

Police carried out a series of raids and also stepped up their high visibility patrols, with arrests for offences ranging from supplying heroin to possession of offensive weapons.

Sergeant Whitehead said a number of people had been charged and most were from the Nelson area.

Operation Falcon has been funded by the Drugs Action Team and Pendle Council and Sergeant Whitehead said the whole community had to work together to tackle the problems of drugs. But he stressed drug dealing in Nelson was no worse than the rest of the country.

He added: "This is a national problem but we are taking in on and looking to do something about it. We have received funding from Pendle Council and that has been a great benefit.

"This is not something we can solve on our own and we are reliant on our partners and the public's help."

Anyone with information about drug dealing in the area should contact Sergeant Whitehead on 01282 472476 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.