A HUGE policing operation to rid drugs from the town’s streets has resulted in dozens of people being arrested for infiltrating Barnsley with class A substances, the Chronicle can reveal.

More than 40 arrests have been made as part of the 18-month crackdown, which saw a Barnsley-based specialist team who investigate serious organised criminality come together with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU).

Class A drugs such as cocaine and heroin with a value of £60,000 have been removed from the streets recently, as well as thousands in cash seized by officers who’ve split up 12 identified drug lines.

Thirteen warrants have also been executed, with seven people being charged so far.

Ross Kirk, 23, of Dovedale, Worsbrough; Dale Toone, 31, of Swaithedale, also Worsbrough; Selina Chandler, 41, of Junction Close, Wombwell and Codey Smith, 21, of Yews Lane, Kendray are all now awaiting sentencing for offences including possession with intent to supply class A drugs, officers involved in the project revealed to the Chronicle this week.

Detective Sergeant Becky Robinson said: “This has been an extensive operation which has involved months of covert policing.

“We have been working round the clock to obtain evidence, gather intelligence and sift through information submitted by local communities.

“Those who are involved in the supply of drugs think they are untouchable and above the law.

“They have no regard for the harm they cause to the local areas where our families live and work.

“We know rumours of this operation have started to circulate within these criminal networks.

“Our investigation is very much still ongoing and we will ensure those who choose to be involved in the supply of drugs face the consequences of their actions and lose the proceeds of their criminality.

“If we haven’t visited you already, let this be a warning - we know who you are and you can expect a visit from us soon.”

A ‘massive’ amount of work has been done on the operation, which was identified as a key priority by the police.

Superintendent Mark James told the Chronicle: “It’s an interesting one as although the public see high-visibility officers in the town for days like Operation Duxford, this has been very much done behind the scenes.

“Just because they’re hidden, it doesn’t mean we’re not working but we do so under the radar.

“This has been a huge result for the police as we’re talking about the worst type of drugs, ones which ruin people’s lives and can be fatal.

“The figures speak for themselves - we’ve interacted with more than 100 subjects, arrested many and charged them but we’re not done yet.

“There’s a case to build for each and every one of the people we charge and we have to apply for a court-ordered warrant when we want to search a property, so it does take time.

“However, there will be a substantial level of detention from this - we’ve made inroads into supply chains and made a huge dent into Barnsley’s drug infrastructure.

“These are not morally upstanding people and they’re a huge risk to the public.

“Our work now that we’ve disrupted 12 drug lines is to ensure no-one else attempts to move in and take over the supply chain.”

Detective Superintendent Al Burns, of the YHROCU, added: “I’m proud of the tireless work our officers put in to protect the public.

“No-one is beyond the reach of UK law enforcement and by working together we will relentlessly pursue those that seek to benefit from international criminality.

“It’s also a stark reminder of the harm these substances cause in our communities.

“We remain committed to tackling the organised crime groups fuelling this trade and causing misery in our communities.”