DRUG dealers have been warned police will continue to crack down on the supply of illegal substances following the end of a major operation in Weymouth and Portland.

A total of 33 people were prosecuted for drug supply offences following Dorset Police’s Operation Dismantle.

All the offenders have now been sentenced in the courts, with 17 receiving prison sentences, but police have vowed not to relent in their war on class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was an excellent result locally but it is a continuing issue sadly in today’s society.

“We will continue to proactively target drug suppliers and assist drug users if they want help with the various partner agencies that are available.

“However, they have to want to remove themselves from the world of drug taking.”

A total of 38 people were arrested in Operation Dismantle, 33 of whom were prosecuted for drug offences while the other five were charged with non-drug related crimes such as handling stolen goods.

DI said there was still one person wanted for the supply of drugs in relation to the operation.

Of the 33 prosecuted for drug offences 17 received a prison sentence, with jail terms ranging from five-and-a-half years to 18 months.

The remaining offenders all received some sort of community order, the majority of which came with a drug rehabilitation requirement attached to help the defendant address their drug addiction.

DI Hester said the sentences reflected the position in the drug supply chain of the various offenders, with wholesale dealers at the top receiving lengthy prison sentences and those at street level involved in small scale supply to fund their own addiction receiving the lower level penalty.

He said he had noticed, particularly in the short term, a reduction in the number of drug related offences as a result of the operation.

DI Hester said: “There was a noticeable reduction in drug supply in the Weymouth area and a very noticeable reduction in crime in general for a period of time.”

DI Hester said that, as police continue to target the supply of drugs to reduce its negative effects on the community, it was important members of the public played their part by reporting any activity they are aware of.

He said: “Drug taking results in a lot of crime locally to fund the purchase of the drugs, including shoplifting, burglary and robbery.

“And of course there is competition between dealers to get users to buy from them that results in violence and injuries with ongoing threats to people.

“Dorset Police always needs the public’s help with tackling this issue and would ask for people to call should they have any information with regard to drug dealing.

“We need the public’s help to tackle the issue.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police on 01305 222222.