ANOTHER man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying the drug Xanax in Dorchester, making him the second person in the space of a week.

It comes after a 16-year-old boy was arrested in Dorchester last Friday for the same offence. He has since been released under investigation pending further enquires.

Xanax, the brand name for the drug alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine – a controlled medicate used in some parts of the world to treat anxiety. It is not available in the UK on the NHS and is a class C controlled drug.

The latest arrest was made in the Fordington area today (Thursday, November 22).

Officers from Dorchester and Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) executed the drug warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act

A quantity of what is believed to be Xanax tablets and cannabis was seized.

A 22-year-old man from Dorchester was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B and class C drug and is currently assisting officers with enquiries.

This is the second warrant in the space of a week that has been carried out in relation to the suspected supply of the drug Xanax.

Police Sergeant Ged Want, of the NPT, said: “I hope this second warrant shows to the community that we are taking action over the suspected supply of drugs in the town.

"Again, the warrant was carried out thanks to community-provided intelligence. I would continue to urge the public to report suspected drug dealing or misuse to us so that we can investigate.

“I would like to reiterate that there are considerable risks associated with taking substances that have not been specifically prescribed. The consequences can be very serious and even fatal. We are aware of incidents where people have mixed Xanax with other drugs and this can significantly increase the risk of harm.

“You can never be sure what a tablet contains when it has not been properly prescribed or the potential effect it can have on you."

Anyone who wants to report alleged drug dealing in their community is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For advice and support with drug issues visit www.edasuk.org or www.edp.org.uk/reach-dorset/.