DRUG seizures in West Mercia have reached a 10-year-high according to figures released by the government.

The police seized more drugs in West Mercia than in every other year in the last decade.

Some 3,447 drugs were confiscated in 2015/2016, contrasting sharply with the decade’s lowest figure of 2,617 seizures in 2013/2014.

West Mercia also has the third-highest level of Methadone seizures in England and Wales this year, with an increase from 22 to 27 in the last year.

The data has been released by the Home Office as part of their annual roundup of police drug seizures.

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I think more often than not people are coming in and selling drugs.

“Somewhere like West Mercia we are always going to get people coming across the border to commit crimes and sell drugs in our area.

“We are working hard to disrupt that activity. I think it shows people are taking issues seriously.

“I’m very supportive of the work our police force are doing in the fight against drugs. I’ve seen the damage drugs cause to families first hand.”

Mr Campion thinks the level of Methadone seizures is connected with rising use and plans to do more research.

The commissioner added that despite the prescription of Methadone the police still had to take action against illegal sales.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: "Whilst these are West Mercia wide figures I would like to reassure you all that we do pursue those that supply drugs here in the local area.

"We have an excellent record over the last 12 months in disrupting and prosecuting those individuals who blight our local community and we will continue this important work."

Detective chief inspector Ally Wright, who is the business lead for drugs for West Mercia Police, said: “As these figures show we are continuing to take robust action to protect the communities we serve by seizing illegal substances.

“Tackling the supply of drugs is a priority for West Mercia Police. Our activity is on a reactive level, based on information and intelligence and also on a proactive level targeting those who cause the most harm.”

Mr Wright added that they work closely with partners to ensure drug users have access to appropriate treatment and support.

A West Mercia Police spokesman urged anyone with information on the supply of drugs to report it on 101 or 999 in an emergency.