Cornish crack use soars

Police say they are tackling the crack cocaine problem

Crack cocaine use in Cornwall has risen dramatically, according to drug experts.

Rehabilitation agencies say reported use of the purified form of cocaine has gone up by around 800% in 12 months.

Although use of the highly addictive drug is rising nationally, treatment in Cornwall is hampered by the county's rural nature.

Despite the rise, both rehabilitation organisations and police say they are targeting the problem.

Crack cocaine causes more crime than heroin and from a community safety point of view it's important we tackle it

Bob Crossland Drugs and Action Team Co-ordinator

The Drugs and Action Team Co-ordinator for the county, Bob Crossland, said that although Cornwall had a lack of residential rehabilitation services, waiting lists for treatment were very short.

"We buy bed space from outside the region.

"More residential care is planned but what we need right now is an increase in the amount of care available in the community."

Mr Crossland said the problems posed by crack were particularly difficult.

Operation Ovidian

"It causes more crime than heroin and from a community safety point of view it's important we tackle it.

"But the actual numbers using it are still very small and between ourselves and the police we offer an effective way of dealing with the problem."

Devon and Cornwall police confirmed the force was running a campaign, named Operation Ovidian, targeting crack.

A spokesman said: "It has been running for around 12 months and has had some success in dealing with the problem."