Drugs worth £300,000 have been taken off the streets of a South Yorkshire town in the last year – thanks to the help of residents. Police have made 699 arrests for drug offences in the crackdown on crime in Rotherham, with the help of tip-offs. The figures were disclosed by Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, Rotherham’s District Commander, as he revealed details of one of the latest drug raids in the town, which led to the discovery of a cannabis factory. Officers found 100 cannabis plants growing in an empty house on Canklow Road, Canklow, during a raid. Police valued the plants, which were being cultivated in a sophisticated factory-style set up throughout the house, at around £67,000.
Chf Supt Harwin, responsible for overseeing the fight against crime in Rotherham, said the raid followed a tip-off from the local community. And he urged others with information about cannabis farms and drug dealers to come forward. “Over the last 12 months we have arrested 699 individuals in relation to drug offences, including dealing, producing and possession, and have taken £300,000 worth of drugs out of circulation,” Chief Supt Harwin said. “The main drug has been cannabis but we have also seized Mcat, heroin and ecstasy. “We are seeing an increase in the cultivation of cannabis but are making some significant seizures, including 100 plants at an empty property in Canklow. “That was the result of information passed to us by local residents and we would encourage others to tell us their suspicions.”
He said ridding the streets of drugs has an impact on crime. “A lot of people still commit crimes to feed their addictions, so we need to get drugs off the streets but we also need to get people off drugs. “We have members of the public vulnerable because of their drug addictions who need help.” Chief Supt Harwin said a number of police raids were carried out in Eastwood in February and March following concerns from the community.
Drugs were found at 11 of the 16 homes searched by officers, including cannabis worth £32,000, crack cocaine worth £5,000, heroin worth £500, amphetamines worth £1,000 and cocaine worth £500. Stolen goods worth £3,000 were also found in the blitz.Seventeen arrests were made.
Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 with information about drug crimes.
