Operation Crackdown (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Operation Crackdown

WILTSHIRE is one of 32 counties involved in the Home Office's new campaign targeting hardcore drug dealers.

The focus of Operation Crackdown will centre on closing drug dens, disrupting class A drug markets, seizing illegal firearms and bringing dealers to justice.

The three-month campaign has been co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Home Office.

Home Office minister Caroline Flint said: "There is a clear link between class A drugs and crime.

"Operation Crackdown sends a clear message to drug dealers that their behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and that they will be brought to justice and face harsh penalties."

A cocaine den in Westbury was raided in September, with drug dealer Wayne Elkins, 36, of Eden Vale Road sentenced to five years in jail at Swindon Crown Court in November.