Ref. 30106-04THIS is the haul of drugs seized when 25 police officers raided a Highworth pub.

About £1,000-worth of cannabis, 38 ecstasy tablets and cocaine is now in the hands of Swindon police after the successful swoop on the King and Queen Inn, in High Street.

Three men from Highworth were arrested on the premises in possession of drugs and more were later uncovered at their homes.

They have since been released on bail while the drugs are sent away for forensic analysis.

PC Mike Armishaw was involved in the swoop, called Operation Demote, which began on Friday at 7pm.

He said: "We are pleased with the results of this operation, which was orchestrated using intelligence from local officers and information from members of the public. It is a success story we aim to build on."

Alex Campbell, landlord of the King and Queen Inn, was shocked by what the police found. Mr Campbell, 60, said: "I'm surprised and very grateful the police have brought this problem to my attention. I want to work with them to keep my pub free of drugs in future."

He has been running the pub with his wife, Jane, 60, and son, Adam, 29, for the past year and a half and says this is the first time they have encountered problems with drugs on the premises.

He said: "This hasn't happened before. We try to keep a close eye on everything that goes on here and made it clear from the outset taking or dealing drugs would not be tolerated here."

Mr Campbell is now looking at ways to tackle the problem.

He said: "Installing CCTV or searching people are both options. But our customers are decent people, so it seems a pity to invade their privacy for the sake of an extremely small minority."

Lee Ruddle, 24, from Highworth, was enjoying a quiet pint in the pub when the drama began.

He said: "One minute I was having a drink with friends, the next I was being searched.

"Drug dealing goes on everywhere in the country and Highworth is no different. It's frustrating and I'm glad at least some of the people involved have been caught."

Joan Guley, 85, was appalled to learn that class A drugs had been found in the town.

She said: "It's disgusting and spoils the place. I find it sad not even a peaceful town like Highworth can escape the problem."

Michael Pollard, 55, from Highworth, also thinks drugs are everywhere these days.

He said: "You can't avoid it and I'm sure this isn't the only pub affected. As for searching customers or fitting CCTV cameras, I think that would impinge on our civil liberties."

Victoria Tagg