DRINKERS in Minehead are being warned they will have to run the gauntlet of a police drug busting squad after a crack-down at the weekend.

Regular officers and special constables using special drug testing equipment stopped visitors at the Wellington Hotel in the town centre, and Butlins on Saturday night in a bid to curb a rise in the use of cocaine in the district.

One person was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug, and a large number of people were scanned using special drug testing equipment.

Another was arrested for being wanted on warrant.

Sergeant Bob Carey, in charge of the special operation, said: "There is an increased use of cocaine in West Somerset, and local police are working in partnership with licensees to send out a strong message that recreational drug use will not be tolerated, especially within the night-time economy of Minehead.

"We hope other licensees will also join us in similar exercises to be run again in the future.

"Police and local licensees are sending out the message that drugs are not welcome in the town."

Praising both venues for volunteering to support the exercise, he said the operation was designed to make their premises drug free.

Crime reduction officer Keith Wigglesworth, based at Minehead, said the use of cocaine in the town was more prevalent that it had been two years ago.

He said: "We are finding it more often.

Saturday's crack-down was part of our on-going operation to combat the use of drugs in West Somerset."

Anyone with information about those who deal in cocaine or other controlled drugs can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.