Increase in county drug arrests

The number of arrests for possession of illegal drugs in Devon has risen 18% to more than 2,500 in the last year.

Arrests for possession with intent to supply in Plymouth rose from two in 2006/7 to 66 in 2007/8, most connected to a nightclub which has now closed.

In north and east Devon figures for the same offence nearly doubled to 124 in the same period and in south and west Devon, figures more than doubled to 94.

Devon and Cornwall police say there is a growing problem with heroin.