POLICE have launched a crackdown on drug-related crime in the city centre.

The Worcester News previously exposed the impact of the drug Black Mamba on the city by publishing photographs of suspected users slouched across benches in Broad Street, Worcester.

Experts told this newspaper that the former ‘legal high’ was becoming increasingly popular in the city and one paramedic warned that some of her patients had died from it.

Inspector Tanya Beckett, from Worcester Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Our Safer neighbourhood teams are working hard to police the local areas and, in particular Broad Street, following reports of anti-social behaviour and drug-related criminal activity.

“As well as enforcing the law, we are also looking at other ways to address the issue of drugs and anti-social behaviour within our community.”

Insp Beckett said the force was working with partners to reduce drug use. She added that officers were targetting the problem with Community Protection Notices (CPN) and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO).

CPN breaches may result in a fine, while breaking a CBO can lead to people being imprisoned and barred from a certain area.

The crackdown is targeting all drug-related crime, including incidents relating to the synthetic cannabinoid Black Mamba.

Anyone with information about crime can ring 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.