DRUGS worth £250,000 have been seized in a major crackdown in Poole and Purbeck.

Dorset Police raided 13 addresses in June, uncovering illegal drugs including cannabis, Methedrone, steroids and cocaine worth an estimated quarter of a million pounds. Officers also arrested 12 people for drug-related offences.

The month of action marks the start of an ongoing campaign to tackle drug dealing and misuse. Dealers will be targeted, and users will be referred to organisations where they can get help to get clean.

Police Sergeant Simon Perry, of Poole police, said: “We have recovered a large amount of herbal cannabis and also seized Methedrone, steroids and cocaine.

“I hope this campaign sends out a strong message that we take the dealing of drugs in Poole and Purbeck very seriously and we will continue to target those who commit these offences.

“I would like to thank the public for their support and would encourage anyone who suspects drug dealing and misuse is taking place in their community to call us so we can act.

“The supply of drugs has a devastating effect on those addicted and their families and is directly linked to acquisitive crime. We work closely with local housing teams and individuals living in three premises have faced immediate eviction.”

The Poole Substance Misuse and Alcohol Referral Team (SMART) can offer independent advice, information and support to anyone in Dorset affected by substance misuse. Contact them on 01202 735777 or via www.edasuk.org. They also hold drop-in sessions on Tuesdays between 1pm and 6pm and Fridays between 9am and 12 noon at Unit 3 Park Place, 6 North Road, Poole, BH14 0LY.

Residents should call Dorset Police on 101 Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if they suspect drug dealing or misuse is taking place in their community.