POLICE have arrested 60 people and seized drugs worth more than �700,000 in a week-long crackdown in Suffolk.Officers from around the county were involved in Operation Dace, which started last week.

POLICE have arrested 60 people and seized drugs worth more than �700,000 in a week-long crackdown in Suffolk.

Officers from around the county were involved in Operation Dace, which started last week.

The operation saw the deployment of specialist teams, drugs dogs, the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) intercept team, a specialist machine called the 'Ion Track' and metal detecting knife arches in a number of locations during the week.

Officers from the British Transport Police also took part in a joint operation to target drugs entering Suffolk via Ipswich train station, and the Ministry of Defence Police joined patrols with a drugs dog in Newmarket.

During the week, 80 offences were recorded, 26 of which were for drug trafficking.

A cannabis factory was uncovered in a property in Ipswich on Friday November 13, in which 300 plants were seized with a value of around �300,000.

The ANPR Intercept Team targeted the county's main routes, particularly the A14 and A12.

On Wednesday November 11, a vehicle was stopped on the A12 at Brightwell. On searching the car, officers discovered 30 kilos of cannabis, which was estimated to be worth around �300,000.

Detective chief inspector Bernie Morgan said: “Suffolk Constabulary is dedicated to targeting drug dealing, drug misuse and associated crime.

“This operation sought to tackle two of our main priorities - tackling the Class A drugs markets and also to create a safer night time economy for all. It has been a real success and I believe it has had a positive impact.

“However, we will not be complacent. Local agencies are working effectively together to tackle and reduce drug-related crime in communities countywide and that work is ongoing - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“My message is clear: we will continue to disrupt drug use and dealing in Suffolk and prosecutions will be robustly pursued. We will also work to ensure community concerns regarding drugs are reported and acted upon.

“It is vital that our residents work with us and report any suspicious activity in their areas.”

If you have information about drug activity in your local area, contact Suffolk Constabulary on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are worried about your drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend or relative, then call the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) helpline on 01473 299640 between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday to get advice and information.