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Suffolk drug seizures fall despite national record haul

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Suffolk has seen a 7% decrease in drug seizures despite national figures hitting a record high, new data reveals.

Why it matters: The drop in Suffolk contrasts sharply with the national picture. Drug seizures nationally have reached record levels, with Border Force and police across England and Wales seizing over 119 tonnes of illegal drugs worth £3 billion.

By the numbers:

  • 3,716 drug seizures in Suffolk, down 7% from last year

  • 217,644 total seizures across England and Wales, up 13%

  • 40,639 Border Force seizures, up 57%

  • Record 28 tonnes of cocaine seized nationally

  • Record 85 tonnes of herbal cannabis seized nationally

Cannabis seized by police officers
Cannabis seized by police officers in SuffolkSuffolk Constabulary

Local impact: In Suffolk, officers seized:

  • 1kg of powdered cocaine

  • Less than 1kg of heroin

  • 185kg of herbal cannabis

The wider picture: Cleveland Police recorded the highest seizure rate outside London, with 7,053 seizures per million people. Thames Valley had the lowest at 242 per million.

What experts say: Lee Fernandes from The UKAT Group warns of changing drug preferences, particularly among young people:

  • Moving away from traditional Class A drugs

  • Increasing use of cannabis vapes

  • The growing popularity of ketamine and synthetic drugs

Government response: Migration Minister Seema Malhotra says authorities are determined "to protect the public from illegal drugs which pose a threat to people's lives."

Bottom line: While national drug seizures reached record levels in the year to March 2024, Suffolk recorded 7% fewer seizures compared to the previous year.

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An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

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