Police in pledge to crack down on drugs

Officers say they will be stepping up patrols in the town centre over the festive period and will be take action against anyone caught with illegal substances while in pubs.

Their action follows a renewed warning from West Yorkshire Police experts about the health risks of taking drugs.

In the first incident on December 9, officers attended an address on Crosley Wood Road in Bingley where they seized 11 bags of cannabis. Two days later officers arrested a 39-year-old man on York Street on suspicion of a breach of the peace. He was found to be carrying cocaine. West Yorkshire Police’s Drugs Co-ordinator Bryan Dent has advised that even so called ‘legal highs’ can cause serious harm or kill.

He issued the warning after two 20-year-old Bradford men needed hospital treatment earlier this month after taking an unknown substance.

Inspector Andy Croasdale of the Bingley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will be increasing high visibility patrols in Bingley over the Christmas period and will be working closely with our landlords to react swiftly and positively to any reports of problems or disorder.

“Bingley is also well covered by CCTV and anyone caught carrying or consuming illegal substances should expect to be very quickly identified and dealt with through fines or prosecution.”

The Inspector added that anyone caught with drugs in bars in the town would also be put forward to the town’s PubWatch committee and recommended for a ban. We all want to enjoy Christmas but those who break the law in our public houses and cause misery for others can expect both the police and landlords to take action.Around 42 people have now been banned from bars for poor behaviour, including drug use,” he added.