Police chief vows to do more after latest drug crime crackdown in Cambridgeshire
Operation Hypernova 2.0 has helped tackle illegal drug activity in the county
A local police chief has said tackling drug crime in Peterborough and Fenland will continue to be a priority.
It comes as two men were sentenced as part of Operation Hypernova 2.0, Cambridgeshire Police's crackdown on illegal drugs and exploitation in the county.
Operation Hypernova 2.0 was carried out with support from the Metropolitan Police’ Orochi Team, the Eastern Regional Specialist Operation Unit and British Transport Police to identify individuals posing the greatest threat to the community.
During the operation, 51 county lines were dismantled and 33 people charged with 93 drug and human trafficking offences.
Several weapons including zombie knives, machetes, knuckle dusters and imitation firearms have also been seized.
"I'm not blind that it does take place"
Superintendent Ben Martin, area commander for Peterborough and Fenland, has told us the work won't stop there.
"We are focused around suspect management, understanding our issues around proactive policing so using intelligence functions to stop drug dealing; it's not just a one-off," he said.
"I wouldn't say it's widespread that people should feel unsafe, but I'm not blind it does take place.
"We want to do the best we can to stop this activity because of the anti-social behaviour that goes with it, the exploitation that goes with it and because of the violence that can sometimes accompany it."
"Standards are very important"
Mr Martin is also keen to see overall performance in the force improve.
A report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services found Cambridgeshire Police rated as good in preventing crime but inadequate in areas like managing violent offenders.
"Standards are very important because that's what people see; we constantly explain to everyone here about the expectation that we have and the expectation the public have on us," he added.
"I want to continually drive performance to make sure we respond to what the public want."