IT is exactly a year since 29 people involved in the supply of Class A drugs in mid Cheshire were sentenced to more than 70 years in prison.

Operation Clean Sweep was hailed as a huge success following the sentences 12 months ago but what impact has it had on the drugs network since then?

Det Insp Andy Southcott is the lead officer in all Operation Clean Sweep activity and he believes the past year has seen crime associated with drugs reduce significantly.

He said: "The statistics for crimes such as burglary and theft from vehicles has been severely reduced, communities previously blighted by problems associated with drug activity have been transformed and members of the public have much more confidence in working with us to tackle drug related issues by providing us with vital information."

Operation Clean Sweep took place in October 2003 and was the biggest operation of its kind to be carried out in the borough.

Det Insp Southcott is hopeful that the effects of Operation Clean Sweep will be felt for years to come.

He said: "This operation was not just about a massive series of raids - that was just the start.

"Clean Sweep work will continue so that everyone can enjoy the positive effects that work brings."

Operation Clean Sweep was designed to stop the supply of hard drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine and consequently reduce the amount of crime resulting from the drugs culture.

Insp Brian Roberts from the Winsford neighbourhood policing unit has seen a vast reduction in the availability of Class A drugs since Operation Clean Sweep.

He said: "It's a constant battle to tackle the heroin and crack cocaine markets and although we will not win it overnight, I think we have made an impact and continued to make life very difficult for those who trade in illicit drugs."

Months of careful planning went into Operation Clean Sweep with a number of officers going undercover to collect vital information on the drugs network.

Insp Roberts said: "The impact of that operation continues still within the area.

"Having worked on the force drug unit for six years, I know the commitment and dedication of both the undercover officers and the team of officers and staff who supported them.

"They all put themselves in a very stressful and vulnerable position to achieve success in breaking up an organised and often violent drug network

"Every time a dealer sells drugs to an addict he or she will think 'am I selling to a police officer and getting myself a long prison sentence?'

"The unease and disruption caused by the infiltration of officers into a criminal organisation is still felt and the mistrust of street dealers continues.

"I personally think that is a good thing and they never know when we will do it again."

Insp Roberts is now working with other officers to capitalise on the success of Operation Clean Sweep by targeting the next generation of drug dealers.

He said: "My staff on the community action team have continued to work with proactive CID staff to target the offenders intent on becoming the next set of dealers.

"After the Clean Sweep arrests we continued to see overt street dealing in our communities and we now work with communities to identify, disrupt and destroy those involved."

Many officers feel part of the success of Operation Clean Sweep has been the increased confidence in residents that something is being done to tackle the drugs menace that makes many people's lives a misery.

Sgt Ian Wood, of Winsford community action team, said: "I have worked as a community officer in Winsford for a number of years and we do become frustrated with the effect that heroin and crack dealers have on neighbourhoods.

"I have never seen such an operation have an impact on so many street dealers as we achieved with Clean Sweep.

"Other dealers have moved in and we have always tried to strike quickly to stop them taking a hold but it is a continuing battle

"There are still areas we need to work in but some experienced and violent offenders were convicted as a result of the initial Clean Sweep arrests and we will be closely watching them when they are released from prison."

He added: "One big difference is the cooperation we get from communities.

"People will no longer tolerate being bullied and intimidated by drug dealers and users.

"We still need up to date intelligence and ask people to contact us at every opportunity regarding anybody involved in drugs who are active in their area."

Operation Clean Sweep cost in excess of £100,000 and involved more than 400 police officers.

Det Ins Southcott this week sent out a clear message to drug dealers.

He said: "We will not tolerate Class A drugs on our streets and we will do everything in our power to take positive action against you."