Police target rail drug users

The operation aims to help tube passengers feel safer

A clampdown has been launched on drug users who take heroin and cocaine on the London Underground system.

Police are targeting Tube trains after discovering a growing number of addicts are feeding their habits on the rail network.

Operation Privet is focusing on underground and overground trains leaving Victoria station and heading south of the Thames where users go to buy drugs.

Inspector Nigel Walsh, of Belgravia Police, said: "People are taking hard drugs on the trains and committing crimes to feed their habit.

We intend to help vulnerable members of the community who are sleeping rough, and will be working closely with community outreach workers from Westminster Community Action Team

Inspector Nigel Walsh

"People who commute in and out of Victoria for work and leisure should not have to put up with this behaviour.

"This operation is designed to confront and ensure that drug abuse and its associated problems around Victoria and on routes to and from south London will be tackled, ensuring that the public can travel without fear of this anti-social behaviour."

Officers from Scotland Yard and British Transport Police have teamed up for the operation.

But Inspector Walsh said the crackdown was not just about bringing offenders before the courts.

"We [also] intend to help vulnerable members of the community who are sleeping rough, and will be working closely with community outreach workers from Westminster Community Action Team."