MORE than 2,100 drug crimes were detected in Suffolk last year, police said today.

MORE than 2,100 drug crimes were detected in Suffolk last year, police said today.

Officers said they are keen for residents to remain vigilant and help them in their battle to curb the growing menace of drugs.

Information from the public helped in a large number of cases during 2008/09 with people passing on concerns about possible cannabis factories and suspected drug dealers.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Mattin said: “We would urge residents to report any suspicions they have about the supply and use of drugs in their communities and would like to thank those who have done exactly that in the past year, helping us to detect more than 98per cent of the 2,103 offences recorded for 2008/09.

“Simply being vigilant can help us in the fight against all crime and this is especially true for drugs offences. Your call could help provide the information we need to arrest a dealer or discover a cannabis factory.”

Home Office figures show three-quarters of crack and heroin users claiming they commit crime to feed their habit.

Police not only work to crack down on those responsible for supplying drugs, but also liaise with other agencies via the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) on drug education, prevention and treatment.

This week has been designated National Tackling Drugs Week. It aims to highlight the positive work being done to tackle drugs and to reduce drug-related crime across the county.

Graham Gatehouse, Chair of the DAAT Partnership Board, said; “National Tackling Drugs Week 2009, with its focus on partnership working, highlights the continuing hard work being done in Suffolk to help deal with the problem of drug abuse.

“This year we have again had excellent successes with greater numbers of people getting the help they need and more people leaving treatment drug free, improving not only their own, but also the lives of their families and communities.

“We urge anyone who has any concerns about themselves, friends, or family members, either drinking too much, or taking drugs, to get in touch with us on 01473 299640.”

If you have information about drug activity in your local area, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.