Police carry out drug search warrants in Oswestry
Police today carried out search warrants at two addresses in Oswestry as part of the ongoing campaign against the illegal drug GHB.
Around 16 officers made simultaneous checks this afternoon on two flats in Castlefields and in Castle Street.
The warrants were granted by magistrates under the Misuse of Drugs Act as police continue to target those believed to be involved in the production and supply of GHB and other controlled drugs in the Oswestry area.
A number of items were seized for examination, including a quantity of white powder and several knives. Both premises were empty at the time but police said they planned to contact the occupants in the near future.
The searches were conducted as part of an ongoing campaign to tackle drugs in the area and police have pledged that further warrants are planned in the future.
Oswestry has been previously labelled a hot spot for GHB usage and a multi-agency approach adopted to tackle the problems through both enforcement and education actions.
The campaign has proved successful in bringing offenders to court over the past 12 months and in highlighting the serious health hazards caused by taking the drug. A number of illicit kitchen "laboratories" have been closed down as a result.
Detective Sergeant Lee Holehouse, who led today's police operation, said: "Obviously, we are pleased there had been a significant reduction in the supply and usage of GHB in the Oswestry area in recent months.
"However, we are not complacent and will continue to take action whenever we receive information. We are determined to do everything we can, together with our partners, to safeguard local communities from this dangerous substance.
"We know for a fact that GHB is responsible for at least one death in the Oswestry area and other users have become seriously ill ending up in hospital.
"There will always be people who are tempted but it is simply not worth the risk. We have a responsibility to protect local people and we will target those producing and selling this drug at every opportunity."
Detective Sergeant Holehouse urged members of the public to work with the police. "They can contact Oswestry or Shrewsbury police stations by calling 101 in the strictest confidence to pass on information about suspected illegal drug activity.
"This is how we receive much of our information, and by doing so, people are playing a part in helping safeguard their local communities."
He said alternatively, the anonymous Crimestopper charity could be contacted by calling 0800 555 111.
The police, Shropshire Council, the director of public health and the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) are continuing their co-ordinated response in tackling GHB usage and associated problems throughout the Oswestry area.
Their efforts have been endorsed by others in the local community, including Oswestry MP Mr Owen Paterson.
