THREE revellers were arrested in Bridgwater at the weekend during a major drive by police to clampdown on drug use in the town centre.


More than 20 officers were on patrol in the town centre on Saturday night which saw three people arrested for possession of cannabis.


The officers, including two drug detection dogs visited clubs, pubs and bars in an operation that also involved South West Ambulance, legal high protest group South West Action Group (SWAG) and Sedgemoor District Council.
 
The aim of the operation was to: 

•    engage and educate those in Bridgwater town centre about legal highs, the new legislation and the possible effects. We estimate that we reached more than 800 people on the night
•    reduce any anti-social behaviour caused by the consumption, possession and supply of controlled substances and legal highs 
•    detect those who are in possession of controlled substances through proactive searches – assisted by the drugs itemiser which takes a swab from your hand this is put into the machine and it detects if the individual has recently been in contact with drugs. A total of 230 people were swabbed – with 22 positive indications which resulted in a drug search
•    support the South West Ambulance Trust with its mobile treatment centre who were looking out for people who needed support
•    support door staff in licensed premises with drug and legal high related incidents. Our presence was well received and local landlords supported us in our searches

PC Colette Ranson said: “Since the closure of Hush in Taunton we have been closely monitoring the impact on Bridgwater Town Centre and we have experienced an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime due to the use of legal highs in public places.


“We are concerned about so called legal highs and the devastating effects they can have on users. We consider the night to have been a great success.

"We have spoken to more than 800 people to raise awareness on the dangers and we hope that this education programme will impact on not just users, but also pub landlords and club owners so they can spot the early signs.”

Avon and Somerset Police urge the public to:

1.    Pass information about any premises or person selling so-called ‘legal highs’ to the police. Report online, by calling 101 or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555. They never ask your name or trace your call
2.    Report if you find any so-called ‘legal high’ packaging in the possession of under-18s
3.    Report any incident of anti-social behaviour or crime which may involve someone who has taken a so-called ‘legal high’
4.    Report any person or premises where so-called ‘legal highs’ are sold to children

For help or advice call the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service 0300 303 8788