SEIZURES of thousands of pounds worth of crack cocaine and 150 arrests have been made by Ipswich police.Officers from around the county have been drafted in to assist with Operation Enterprise aimed at reducing the levels of burglaries and vehicle crime – two areas that had risen greatly prior to the campaign start on June 9.

SEIZURES of thousands of pounds worth of crack cocaine and 150 arrests have been made by Ipswich police.

Officers from around the county have been drafted in to assist with Operation Enterprise aimed at reducing the levels of burglaries and vehicle crime – two areas that had risen greatly prior to the campaign start on June 9.

The intelligence-led operation has resulted in a team of 34 officers executing 29 warrants at addresses around the town, making 150 arrests and seizing stolen property including a car, computer equipment, credit cards, mobile phones, DVD players and lawnmowers.

In addition to the recovered stolen items, officers have seized a quantity of class 'A' drugs including crack cocaine and heroin, together with herbal cannabis and resin.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cole, who has been leading the operation, said: "Operation Enterprise is making a huge difference to the world of the criminal in Ipswich.

"We have been working extremely hard to target the sort of priority crimes that we know people want us to tackle.

"The number of arrests is tremendous news, not only for the force but also for the people of Ipswich whose lives have been blighted by crime."

"Following these impressive achievements, we will now work hard to integrate Enterprise into every day policing. It is information that drives this forward and I would urge people to continue to call us to assist in maintaining this momentum."

Officers involved in Operation Enterprise recovered drugs with an estimated street value of £6,400 – including £4,800 of crack cocaine and heroin, demonstrating that Ipswich, like any other town, is not immune to the danger posed by a drug more associated with deprived inner city areas.

In response, Suffolk police has actively targeted both suppliers and users of crack to break the chain before it gets established – and send a clear message to dealers that their actions will not be tolerated in this county.

Det Supt Stewart Gull, who oversaw the recent success of Operation Enterprise, said that this tough, intelligence-led policing approach would continue.

"The success of Enterprise demonstrates our commitment to tackling drugs. It also sends a clear message to those who peddle drugs in our county: you are not welcome in our community – and we will target you."

n Anyone who has any suspicions relating to criminal activity in the area should call the Ipswich CID on 01473 383133 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 alternatively anyone with information in relation to drug activity can call the Crackdown hotline in confidence on 0800 253 253.

FAST FACTS – Operation Enterprise

Operation Enterprise started on June 9 this year and 150 people have been arrested since then.

Drugs with an estimated street value of £6,400 – including £4,800 of crack cocaine and heroin, were recovered.

More than 25 of those arrested are receiving specialist help aimed at steering them towards the road to recovery.

They were seen by staff from the Suffolk Community Arrest Referral Service (SCARS), which operates at police stations in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

The Suffolk Drug Action Team plays a crucial role in guiding the county's drive to reduce substance misuse. The team brings together all agencies in the county, including police and health, that have an involvement in tackling drugs.