'Police can't handle Swansea's drugs issues,' claims council leader
SWANSEA Council leader Chris Holley has claimed the public are losing confidence in the police over the way "they are not dealing with drug dealers".
He has launched a stinging attack on the city's force — despite it making a record drugs haul in the past month.
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Swansea Council leader Chris Holley.
He wants to see tougher action against those pedalling illegal substances, and claimed the police and courts were "not doing enough".
His comments follow six high-profile drug seizures by local officers in recent weeks.
Mr Holley said: "We get told by members of the public things and it seems not a lot is being done.
"The public tell us that they do not think they (the police are doing enough).
"We do not see the police dealing with the people who deal with drugs.
"Police do not have enough profile in combating drugs that the public would like to see.
"There needs to be more of a co-ordinated effort and more severe punishments for drug dealers.
"I do not think people have the confidence that they used to have in police."
Mr Holley also called for a dedicated organisation to tackle drugs, although he admitted he had not heard of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) — a UK-wide task-force that recently brought down a Swansea Valley drugs network involved in a £150 million conspiracy.
South Wales Police have refused to comment on Mr Holley's remarks.
But behind the scenes, police insiders have said the city politician's remarks have felt like a "kick in the teeth".
Since November 19, police have made public a series of successful drug operations.
These include charging a 34-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman after seizing £25,000 worth of drugs on December 3.
And there were also two major stings on suspected heroin dealers. One of which saw city police make their biggest ever haul of the drug when they intercepted a supply of the Class A substance from London, worth £45,000.
One PC, who did not want to be named, said: "Everybody at Swansea Central is a bit miffed about Mr Holley's comments — especially given the good results we've had within recent weeks.
"A lot of time and effort goes into our operations against drugs — from undercover work and information gathering to carrying out warrants, arrests and issuing charges.
"For Holley to say we're not dealing with it as well as we could feels like a kick in teeth.
"Maybe he should concentrate on running the council, rather than shouting his mouth off."
ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk
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by Bill the builder, Swansea
Tuesday, December 07 2010, 1:33AM
“theres a well known drug den on beechwood road in the uplands but the police do nothing about it, but who is chris holley to criticise the police? his council has destroyed this city far more worse than the drug dealers can”
by Professor Max., Dumbtown.
Monday, December 06 2010, 11:32PM
“Co Co the Clown did'nt care about the Public laughing at him ---- He was being paid by them .”
by Tom, swansea
Monday, December 06 2010, 10:34PM
“If the police want to catch some drug dealers go to the peppermint club any night of the week and they will catch people still dealing meow meow but the club does not know this goes on (cough cough) Or go down the coopers by the liberty and ask for ging he could sort you out. There we are Mr Holley two place for them to raid lets see if it happens.”
by rich, swansea
Monday, December 06 2010, 9:52PM
“dont knock the police help them they catch the dope heads and the do gooders want to let them go to get help”
by martin, manselton
Monday, December 06 2010, 9:18PM
“The parents of manselton have lost faith in HOLLOY as a council leader for Manselton school, the man has done nothing to sort out the future or condition of Manselton school and seems quite happy to sit back and watch the childrens education go down the pan. /all the while HOLLEY is visably a greedy and physically lazy man making armchair comments about things he seems to have no idea of.
What an idiot!!”
by Lord Hafod, Republic of Arfod
Monday, December 06 2010, 7:19PM
“This man is an embaressment. The Police have carried out arrests recently and are doing their best against society's problem. This looks like Fatty Arbuckle Holley is putting down a smoke screen, perhaps we are about to run out of grit, or as he had too many chocolate liquers or is he going to play the part of Fatty in Twin Town 2.”
by Not happy, SwanseA
Monday, December 06 2010, 7:05PM
“Holly, what an utter plonker! You have just lost the support of some 1000 key workers in the area! Your remarks are unfounded and dim witted!!!!
So what's your priority for our local plod, I will tell you what it is, anything and everything, and little issue that you and the rest of waste of space councillors want! I have sat in on pact meetings and listened to your drivel!!!!
The I'll informed buffoon does not know about the wider agenda for tackling drugs!
Holly do us all a favour, you and your fellow pointless drain on public funds know nothing dimwhitted councillors please leave!!!! Go and get a job which you might have an idea about!!!!”
by anon, swansea
Monday, December 06 2010, 7:01PM
“Chris Your council can't grit the roads so don't have a go at the Police. do your own job first”
by Swanseajock, Swansea
Monday, December 06 2010, 6:56PM
“Crikey, Tonto of Morriston, I guess you must be a cop. But that said, I would gladly sell my house, my wife and my family to give the police more money. And as for this LibDum administration, they will be gone next year, and then who? Oh yes the last lot of dross that got us to the stage where this lot got voted in. We poor plebs just can't win.”
by JB, Swansea
Monday, December 06 2010, 6:18PM
“Do you (Evening Post) have to print a picture of Chris Holley? He repulses me, just looking at him makes me annoyed and his voice, just sums him up......THICK!”