A DRUGS swoop aimed at getting dealers off the streets has been hailed a success by Leigh's head of police after three suppliers were jailed for a total of 11 years.

The trio were sentenced on Monday at Bolton Crown Court following a police crackdown in May code-named Operation Fluoride.

Twist Lane pair David Kennedy, aged 31, and 38 years-old Graham O'Higgins were each sentenced to four years and Kenneth Jones, 31, of no fixed abode, got 3 years after all were found guilty of supplying heroin.

They were arrested during raids on May 15 following an intelligence based operation named aimed at investigating heroin supply in the Leigh area.

Great success

Speaking on the sentences passed, Leigh Police Superintendent Mary Boylan said: "This is a great success for everyone and I extend my praise and thanks to all of the officers who have worked so hard to bring these people to court.

"I hope that this and future operations will continue to take these people who are dealing in heroin and other types of drugs off the streets of Leigh so that the local community can feel safer in their homes.

"Taking drug dealers off the streets is not just about reducing the supply of drugs but it also has a knock-on effect on other types of crimes such as burglary and robbery. Many people who are addicted to drugs resort to committing these crimes to fund their habit.

"Those who are addicted should seek professional medical assistance and should not rely on street dealers to provide the answers to their problems.

"In order that these types of operations continue to be a success we would like to ask for the public's assistance to aid our work. If we are not aware of what is happening then we cannot do anything about it."