A TWO week operation mounted by police to combat the drugs problem in the Sutton area, resulted in the arrest of 17 people, who were charged with a total of 27 offences.

Operation Darkness was designed to put pressure on drugs dealers in the area and reduce drugs related crime. Officers recovered approximately £9,000 worth of controlled drugs, including heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines and cannabis.

As result of the arrests, two people have been evicted from their homes and another two are pending under Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.

For some of the residents, whose lives have been made a misery by the drugs dealers and users in the area, the arrests couldn't have come too soon.

At one address police officers were actually cheered by residents as they forced their way into the home of a suspected local drug dealer.

Inspector Martin Woosey, said: "We were delighted with the outcome of Operation Darkness, which resulted in a number of arrests improving the quality of life for local residents.

"Our aim is to target drugs activities throughout the borough, and we will be carrying out further operations in Sutton and other areas in the future."

Anyone with information which may help officers in their war against drugs can talk in confidence and anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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