Wirral drug users targeted as police hit the bars

Mar 17 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

RECREATIONAL drug users were targeted by police in weekend raids on bars in the Hoylake area of Wirral.

Jack Rabbit Slims, in Station Approach, and Bar One and Bar Cuba in Market Street were simultaneously searched on Friday night.

More than 300 people at the venues were checked by sniffer dogs, and 19 were arrested.

Police also seized 18 wraps of what is believed to be cocaine that had been discarded at the pubs.

The three bars, which were closed for the night, were raided after suspicions recreational drug use was taking place in the venues.

More than 150 police officers and civilian staff took part in Friday’s operation, which started at around 9.30pm.

Merseyside Police were helped by the Ministry of Defence police, Customs and Excise, Global Service Logistics and the Wirral Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT).

Area commander Chief Superintendent Jon Ward said: “As part of Merseyside Police’s total war on crime we have brought together staff from across the force to target premises that we believe are frequently used by those involved in illegal drugs use.

“I want to make it quite clear that there is no such thing as a recreational user.

“The use of illegal drugs, no matter what their classification, often supports a vast and lucrative criminal enterprise, which profits from the misery that their drugs bring to our communities.

“I would reassure local residents and law abiding customers of licensed premises across the Wirral that I am committed to taking strong and decisive action to reduce the impact drugs have on our communities.

“Offenders should be warned – this operation will be the first of many across the Wirral area.”

Wallasey councillor Kate Wood, who sits on the police authority, said: “As a Member of Merseyside Police Authority representing Wirral, I gave this operation my full support and very much welcome the results.

“Illegal drugs use has created enormous problems for the residents and ward councillors of Hoylake, as well as Wirral generally, for the individuals and their families directly involved and the victims of drug-related crime.”