BIGGEST EVER DRUGS CRACKDOWN SNARES 64 DEALERS ACROSS MANSFIELD AND ASHFIELD

"Tip Offs From Within The Community Proved Invaluable To Georgian's
Success And Will Be To That Of Future Operations" Chief Supt Nick Holmes

THE biggest police crackdown on drugs ever run in Mansfield and
Ashfield has seen 64 dealers sentenced to a total of more than 140
years behind bars. Operation Georgian was launched in April 2007 to
dismantle street-level drug dealing networks operating across the two
districts.

Following seven months of intelligence gathering by officers, 69
suspects were rounded up and arrested on suspicion of supplying Class
A drugs or possession with intent to supply.

Now 64 people have been charged, convicted and sentenced to a total
of 143 years and three months in jail for drug-related offences.

This week, Mansfield and Ashfield's top cop Chief Supt Nick Holmes
hailed the operation's success and told Chad the force is determined
to remove even more pushers from the streets.

"Cutting drug-related crime and getting users into treatment is of
paramount importance," he said.

"Drug addicts commit around 65 per cent of car break-ins, thefts,
robberies and burglaries that occur in Mansfield and Ashfield in a
bid to feed their habit.

"We need ongoing public support from local people telling us who is
dealing and when and where this poison is exchanging hands.

"Tip offs from within the community proved invaluable to Georgian's
success and will be to that of future operations."

During the operation, 72 drug users were identified as suitable for
drug treatment and their details were passed to the Drug and Alcohol
Action Team (DAAT) and treatment agencies.

Anyone with information on drug activity should contact police on
Mansfield 420999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.