Police in Lincolnshire have seized at least 75 tonnes of illegal substances in the last five years as the war on drugs intensifies.

The amount of drugs swept up by police has surged by almost 40 per cent in the last three years – with enough substances seized in 2007 alone to fill a double decker bus.

In that year, more than 15 tonnes of drugs were taken off the streets – the equivalent of more than 40kg every day.

Heroin, crack, cocaine and amphetamines stashes seized by officers have all surged, according to the most up-to-date police figures.

Questions remain about whether the statistics show police are cracking down more or drug use is spiralling out of control.

But the figures have been hailed by drugs charities.

Terry Walter, chairman of Lincoln drug charity Oasis, said: "It certainly sounds as if they are being more successful.

"This will make people think they are more likely to be caught if they use drugs."

For more on the drug seizures carried out by Lincolnshire Police, see Saturday's Echo.