A CLASS A drug-user apprehended during a string of arrests in Ipswich has been fined for possession of heroin.Mark Rowland, of St Mary's Road, Ipswich pleaded guilty to possession of the banned drug after being caught during a routine police stop.

A CLASS A drug-user apprehended during a string of arrests in Ipswich has been fined for possession of heroin.

Mark Rowland, of St Mary's Road, Ipswich pleaded guilty to possession of the banned drug after being caught during a routine police stop.

Officers taking part in what Suffolk Police labelled a “day of action” in the town pulled over the 30-year-old's Audi car on Friday.

Once the car was stopped an officer noticed Rowland was acting suspiciously and appeared to be trying to hide something.

During a hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court yesterday prosecutor David Taylor told magistrates: “He appeared to be trying to hide something in the footwell of the car underneath some clothing.”

After a search was made it was found that Rowland, a carpenter, had been in possession of 0.29grams of heroin.

Rowland admitted to the magistrates he had had a drug problem in the past.

He said: “I've got a methadone prescription and my doctor checks me regularly but it's just the temptation. It's the first time I'd done it for a while.”

Magistrate John Wooley said in sentencing Rowland, the bench had taken into consideration his cooperation with police after his arrest.

He fined him £55 for possessing the drug and ordered him to pay £45 costs.

Mr Wooley said: “The fact you are endeavouring to get your drug habit under control means that we will accept this as a mistake, an aberration.”

Rowland was among 13 people arrested on Friday during the police operation which targeted drug dealers and prolific offenders.

Arrests were made for drugs offences, possession of stolen goods and money laundering.

Significant quantities of cannabis, heroin, counterfeit DVDs and stolen goods were seized during the searches.

In addition to the raids Suffolk Constabulary's ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) vehicle was deployed around Ipswich. As well as Rowland's arrest for heroin possession, 21 people were dealt with for document offences, nine were issued with fixed penalty notices and two people were formally warned for possessing cannabis.