A police operation is under way in Wisbech this afternoon to tackle what police suspect is an illegal drugs 'factory' targeting children as young as 11.
Reporters attending a police briefing ahead of the raid were advised that the operation was organised following concerns raised after three young girls from the town were found unconscious.
All are thought to have taken illegal substances provided by drug dealers and to have been tempted to buy the drugs on their way home from school.
Police said they are particularly keen to trace down suppliers who are reported to have been providing youngsters with mini 'grenades' at £5 each. These are thought to contain a mixture of MDMA, a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions).
The drug is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception.
Police believe the drug in Wisbech has been mixed with bleach in a domestic bath tub before being sold to the youngsters.
The operation is under the control of Inspector Ian Lombardo and sniffer dogs were with police when they raided premises in the Hill Street area of the town.
Our reporter Kath Sansom is on the scene with Cambridgeshire police – more reports to follow.
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