POLICE in South Devon have recently executed a successful operation targeting drug dealing.

Officers in Torquay have revealed their latest operational results following seven days of proactive work - dubbed Operation Harbourlight.

Inspector Rob Harvey, who heads up the Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team, said: ‘We want to show the community that we take drug offences very seriously and want to reassure residents and visitors of Torquay that we will be proactive and bring offenders to justice.

‘Drug dealing is not a victimless crime and we are satisfied with the results we achieved during Operation Harbourlight.

‘We would like to thank the public for their support and remind them that they can hand over information to us and it will be acted upon.

‘We will keep the pressure up on drug dealers in South Devon’.

The total results from Op Harbourlight are:

• 17 drug seizures totalling over £5k worth of illegal substances;

• 45 intelligence and disruption reports submitted;

• 53 people searched, along with several vehicles;

• 16 location visits and searches;

• Six arrests and four illegal E-bikes and weapons seized.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: ‘Drugs and alcohol is one of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

‘The detrimental impact of drug dealing on residents, businesses and visitors in Torquay is one of the reasons my office launched successful project Street Focus in the town around 18 months ago to help tackle drugs, shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.

‘These targeted days of action by the police send out a clear message that it won’t be tolerated.

‘Importantly, they run alongside other ongoing efforts including hotspot policing in Castle Circus which is funded by a Home Office grant which my office secured.

‘It is very important for the community to have confidence that the police will act on the intelligence that they provide.

‘It is also vital that victims and people who are struggling with addiction receive the right help’.