Drugs operation hailed a success

Twenty-five arrests have been made in a two-month campaign to crack down on drug-dealing in Telford.

Police said Operation Cathedral was set up with the help of extra government money to try to make the battle against drugs in the town a long-term priority.

The West Mercia force said that, during the eight weeks of the exercise, drugs worth £60,000 - including heroin and crack cocaine - were seized, along with £4,000 in cash.

Six officers led the operation, which has led to the arrest of a number of dealers.

Knock-on benefits

Rates of both burglaries and shoplifting have dropped in Telford since the arrests, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Harding said: "I am keen to emphasise that Telford does not have any more of a problem with drugs than any other town of its size and make-up.

"We want people to know that we are making every effort to target those responsible for bringing drugs into our communities and will continue to disrupt their activities and bring them before the courts."

A West Mercia Police statement said a team of 20 officers had been able to put 84 charges before the courts, resulting in sentences totalling 43 years.