Successful drugs scheme may be rolled out across entire city

In July, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team for the Queensbury, Royds and Wibsey area of Bradford introduced a dedicated officer to focus solely on obtaining drugs-related warrants.

It followed police surveys across each community which revealed drugs as an issue which most concerned local residents.

NPT Inspector Shelton Newsham said: “We decided to trial a new way of working which focused a single officer on the key priority highlighted by our local communities.

“This officer has been specifically trained in drugs enforcement and acts as a hub for any local intelligence.

“Though streamlining our approach, we have been able to speed up the process in responding to neighbourhood drugs concerns.

“It means that within a matter of a few hours we can receive intelligence from a number of different sources, develop the evidence and task officers to take action.

“This new method of working has subsequently seen 44 warrants executed, 58 arrests, the recovery of £300,000 in controlled drugs and the seizure of almost £10,000.

“Substances found during warrants ranged from Class A to Class C and included heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, steroids and cannabis.

“We have also seized £135,000 in drugs production equipment as well as two illegal firearms and ammunition.

“A measure of the pilot’s success has been though people’s perceptions of anti-social behaviour within the Queensbury, Royds and Wibsey areas.

“This has reduced by five per cent during the last four months and underlines the difference which can be made by targeting the root causes of crime.

“We are now looking at introducing this pilot scheme into other areas of Bradford as part of our continued drive against drugs.

“I hope this pilot will indicate to others just what can be achieved if we work together and that it will encourage more people to come forward.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing should call police on 0845 6060606.