Fears after drugs found in street

SNAP bag found in Uppermill

A SMALL plastic bag in a village street has served as a chilling reminder of problems of drug taking in Saddleworth.

The snap bag, containing white powder, was lying on the pavement in the wake of spectacular series of family-orientated events.

It was found by police working in Uppermill on the first sweep of Operation Sandstorm, an initiative aimed at combating drug concerns across Saddleworth.

Backed by pub landlords, police are operating a Zero Zone at Saddleworth to show locals and the wider Oldham community they will not tolerate drug use of any kind or anti-social behaviour.

The police team, accompanied by specially-trained police dog Millie, were on the streets visiting licensed premises and supporting licensees.

The snap bag with white powder present was recovered from High Street, Uppermill, at around 9:30pm last Saturday.

The task force was visiting Saddleworth to support the Neighbourhood team with Millie.

The drugs were recovered outside a public house and a male was searched near to a club.

Said a police spokesman: "There were still young children and family groups passing by following the Christmas lights switch on. The thought of a child picking up this snap bag and ingesting its contents does not bear thinking about."

He added: "The licensees are fully supportive and on board with our actions.

"The vast majority of people out enjoying the night-time economy across Saddleworth do so without being associated with drugs.

"It's the minority we are targeting who give everyone else and the establishments a bad name.

"Through partnerships and with the continued support of the community we serve, we will continue to protect our villages as much as possible from this most destructive and diverse situation.

"Please stay vigilant. We are working hard to make Uppermill and the wider Saddleworth area a safe space in which to live and socialise. "