BIG RISE IN SIDMOUTH DRUGS BUSTS

SIDMOUTH'S senior police officer has again told the town's drug
pushers they will not be tolerated, after revealing there were 70
extra incidents this year, compared to 2006

"If you are a youth or adult and using drugs, and think the odd joint
of cannabis is okay, then be prepared to have a criminal record,"
Sergeant Andy Turner warned this week.

At Monday's Sidmouth Town Council meeting, he put over the clear
message that pushers and users of all types of drugs would not be tolerated .

He said 73 successful drug warrants were executed between April and
October, compared with two during the same period in 2006.

"Sidmouth is not a soft touch for drug users. The increase in figures
is down to the pro-active work carried out by the neighbourhood team.
The number of warrants carried out were all successful," he said,
praising the neighbourhood team, led by PC Steve Lemon.

The 73 includes 29 incidents during FolkWeek as well as people
stopped in cars and found to have drugs on board "some destined for
Sidmouth and some just passing through," he said.

"Sidmouth does not have a drugs problem, it has a pro-active officer
and I am very lucky to have the team I have got, and you are lucky
and should hold on to it," he told councillors.

Sgt Turner told the Herald: "The team will continue tackling users of
drugs as well as dealers.

"The message is that the hard line will continue."

He urged people who wished to kick their drugs habit to contact the
Exeter Drugs Project, which police work closely with, a doctor or a
health professional.

"Your doctor can point you in the right direction. The message is
plain and clear, we will not tolerate drugs in Sidmouth."

Council chairman Councillor Tom Cox told the sergeant: "We value what
the police have done here. It has been a commendable year.

"I hope the public knows how important this year has been."

Councillor Christine Drew, who lives opposite Sidmouth police
station, added: "I see a lot of what goes on, and you work really
hard. Things have happened in my ward and you always work very hard with me.