POLICE in Chelmsford carried out an operation in the City on Saturday night aimed at cracking down on drug dealers and users.

It was part of an on-going campaign by officers to detect and disrupt drug use and distribution in the city centre.

This campaign aims to identify people involved in the use of drugs in and around bars and clubs, as well as gathering intelligence about the drugs picture in Chelmsford. Special Constables worked alongside officers and went to licensed premises to spot suspicious behaviour, search people and provide reassurance to the public.

During the course of the night, 191 people had their hands wiped as they entered the bars and clubs. Twelve of those had traces of drugs on their hands, mostly cocaine and MDMA. Subsequently 10 of those were searched and two were arrested. One person was issued with a dispersal notice for behaving in an anti-social manner.

Pc Kerri Trickey praised the licensed premises in the city who she said had been "really supportive and helpful” and were working as a team with the police to tackle the problem.

She said: "The reception from the public was really good too. Most people were curious about what we were doing and were in favour of it.

"We will be running the operation again to demonstrate to criminals that drug use in Chelmsford will not be tolerated. We want to make it as difficult as possible for people to try and use and deal drugs here. Drugs use is dangerous, particularly on a night out where combined with drinking alcohol; it can lead to violence and increased vulnerability. The iontrack device we use helps to point us straight towards those dealing and using drugs.”