Wiltshire police have hailed a national anti-drugs campaign a huge success with 34 people arrested on drugs charges.

National Tackling Drugs Week, which ran from June 8-12, demonstrated how local agencies are working together effectively to provide drug services and reduce drug-related crime across the country.

In Wiltshire and Swindon, key organisations involved include NHS Wiltshire, Cranstoun Drug Services Drug Interventions Programme, Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Probation Area, Erlestoke Prison, Victim Support, the Crown Prosecution Service, Her Majesty’s Courts Service, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Wiltshire Addiction and Alcohol Support Group, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), Swindon Community Safety Partnership and Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service (BADAS).

In support of this national campaign, Wiltshire Police executed a total of 26 warrants across the county, throughout the course of the week’s activities. Those warrants related to premises in Malmesbury, Amesbury, Tidworth, Swindon, Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Bulford, Melksham, Calne, Trowbridge, Box and Devizes. Some 34 people were arrested and have been dealt with in a number of ways. Seventeen have been granted police bail, to reappear at police stations at a variety of later dates. These suspects are all awaiting the results of forensic examination of substances found during police searches.

Six people have been charged, and bailed to appear before magistrates courts at either Swindon, Salisbury or Chippenham.

Two £80 fixed penalty notices for possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use were issued, and nine people were dealt with by way of formal caution.

Detective Superintendent Norman McKeaveney said: “These results clearly show that drug abuse and the problems associated with it are prevalent across the county and local agencies are working closely together, to deal with a wide range of issues linked to this type of activity.

"Wiltshire Police will continue to target those suppliers who are active in this County and our message is perfectly clear, - we will find out who you are and where you live, and you will be arrested.

"This positive action will greatly help in making Wiltshire a safer county for all its residents.”