Police in Feltham now have a new weapon in the war against drugs - a box of fake narcotics which they hope will educate local youngsters.

The new 'Drugs Box', funded by the Tilley Road ASDA store with the help of store manager Richard Henery, contains 24 replicas of common recreational and prescription drugs like heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis among others. 

It was unveiled just days after dozens of drug dealers were caught by Hounslow police during a series of early morning raids during National Tackling Drugs Week between May 19 and 23. 400 cannabis plants, 40 wraps of heroin, 30 rocks of crack cocaine, two bottles of methadone, £1,000 in cash, a tazer gun, CS gas and an imitation firearm were seized.

Officers of the Hanworth Park Safer Neighbourhood Team will use the £509 box when travelling to local secondary schools and youth clubs to help youngsters avoid drugs by showing them the various forms.

"You can stand up and talk all day long," said Feltham PC Emma Shackell of the issues police face when talking to kids about drugs.
"Unless you know what it looks like, it's pointless really."

She said using the kit in schools will not only help kids identify drugs, but also spark discussion about negative side effects.
"Unless you take drugs, you don't know what they look like," said PC Shackell.

Police confirmed six people were charged with drugs offences during the crackdown. 11 have been cautioned while the remainder are on bail and eight have been referred to drug treatment workers.