POLICE in Tavistock are warning people to be alert for signs of drug dealing in the town.

Sgt Dave Anning said that every now and then someone tried to establish a market for heroin in the town.

'Heroin is a serious drug with a high level of addiction and when people become addicts crime rises as they become desperate for their next fix.

'Fortunately, people in the town always tell us what is going on and we can act, as we are doing at present.'

Sgt Anning said five search warrants had been executed in the past week alone, with a number of people arrested and a variety of drugs seized, including heroin,

'What seems to be happening here is that a few addicts are trying to fund their habit by getting others hooked,' said Sgt?Anning.

He added that officers had seized a lot of cannabis during the raids and it may be that heroin is being offered to cannabis users to 'try out' in an effort to get people hooked.

'In 25 years I've never met a heroin addict who didn't want to get clean — this is a really destructive drug and very hard to stop taking once you are hooked. The best thing anyone can do is just not try it in the first place.'

Sgt Anning urged anyone who is offered or knows of anyone offering drugs to contact the police either direct or via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.