Christmas crackdown on city drugs

Anti-social behaviour and illegal drug use in Leicester city centre are to be targeted as part of a police operation to clean up the city.

Plain-clothed and uniformed officers will work with the force's passive drugs dog to "disrupt and detect" people involved with illegal drugs.

Sgt George Wells, from the city's local policing unit, said the aim was to reduce crime associated with drugs.

The operation will start over Christmas and run for several months.

Sgt Wells said: "The aim of the operation...is to hopefully reduce the associated incidents of theft from shops, vehicles and persons - the proceeds of which are used to finance the purchase of drugs from street dealers."

He added officers would also be on hand to offer advice to anyone wanting help with drug issues.

Operation Flagship is a joint venture run in association with the Leicester Chamber of Commerce and the Safer Leicester Partnership.