A MAJOR blitz by police has led to a record number of drug arrests being made in Largs over the last month, the News can reveal.

Sergeant Mark Semple of Largs Police is leading a tough clampdown on dealers and users, with a series of successful swoops carried out.

The past four weeks has seen a record number of people detained, with over a dozen arrests made.

In Waterside Street, three men aged 33, 37 and 52 and two women, 37 and 42, were charged with two counts of being concerned with the supply of class A drugs. 

A 37-year-old woman was held for obstructing officers going about their duty.

In Bute Walk, three men aged between 17 and 22 were charged in connection with the supply of class A, B and C drugs.

In George Street, a 22-year-old Largs man was charged with being concerned in the supply of class A substances, while a 47-year-old woman was charged with being in possession of class A drugs.

In the upmarket Donald Wynd area of the town, a 20-year-old male was warned over possession of a class B drug.

In Dalry Road, a 28-year-old woman was reported for possession of Class A drugs.

A 40-year-old woman was charged with being in possession with class As in Allanpark Street and in Flatt Road, a 28-year-old woman was charged with two counts of possession of them.

A man also faces prosecution for possession of class A drugs in Gateside Street.

Sgt Semple said: "There has been a lot of action around about drugs. We have executed six warrants at houses during the past six weeks.

"We take intelligence passed to police through Crimestoppers, we get possession [cases] in the street, and that leads to finding out where suppliers are.

"We want to take out the suppliers and quickly target and disrupt these criminal businesses."

Community council chairman Jim Phillips has expressed alarm about the extend of drug activity taking place in the town.

He said: "It is quite scary and concerning, given the number of incidents."

But Sgt Semple told a community council meeting that residents should feel reassured by the crackdown.

He said: "With the intelligence, we submit an application to the sheriff who will grant us a warrant to go in and search properties and we can force entry.

"It is positive action to show that Largs isn't a place where you can deal drugs or take drugs.

"It is just the fruits of our labour that we have been able to execute these warrants at addresses and get charges against people."