THE jailing of seven men for their part in a huge drugs operation must not go unrecognised today.

Nearly 200,000 Ecstasy pills heading for Newport were taken off the streets and a major drug smuggling ring smashed.

The drugs were being sent from Belgium through a courier service in ordinary boxes.

Thankfully, a security check revealed the contents and the police were eventually able to catch the gang in Newport.

You can't help but wonder just how much actually gets through in this way and how many people are able to bring in drugs to the UK without getting caught.

This case will also make many think about the comments of controversial North Wales chief constable Richard Brunstrom who this week called for drugs to be decriminalised.

Mr Brunstrom believes the position of Ecstasy as a Class A drug is scientifically unsustainable and the real tragedy is that so many Ecstasy-related deaths could have been avoided merely by following simple good practice but its illegality makes this harder.

He also called for monitored drug-taking facilities in pubs and clubs to ensure the safety of users.

Whether you agree with him or not, what is clear is that criminals will use whatever means necessary to bring drugs into the UK.

Only good police intelligence will stop it.

And there will be relief at this court case from many parents who must live in constant fear of how readily available these drugs are to their children, regardless of how safe they are deemed to be in some quarters.