HUNDREDS of passengers on trains from Orpington have been stopped and searched by police as part of a drugs crackdown.

The operation, codenamed Privet, was launched after commuters complained of drug addicts behaving aggressively on trains between Brixton and Victoria stations.

Officers stopped and searched 339 people in the week-long operation and made 85 arrests.

Commuters from Orpington, Petts Wood, Bromley, Bickley, Shortlands, Kent House, Penge, Beckenham and Sydenham Hill have witnessed addicts openly injecting themselves on trains and behaving offensively.

Chief Inspector Randolph Otter, of British Transport Police said: "We regard the operation as a success.

"I saw members of the public shaking officers by the hand because they were so pleased to see them on the trains.

"Of course we have limited resources and will be tackling problems in other areas but we won't turn our back on these issues.

"We are now having meetings with Connex and Railtrack to look at medium and long term solutions to problems on these trains."

But commuter Brian Wallace, of Chorleywood Crescent, St Paul's Cray, felt the operation may only offer a temporary solution.

The 50-year-old ex-naval officer said: "It makes a real difference when they do this sort of thing but the snag is, it doesn't last.

"I've seen alcoholics and groups of aggressive youths on the trains.

"I've witnessed these people urinating and verbally assaulting passengers.

"They run amok and nobody dares challenge them.

"If I feel vulnerable as an ex-navy boxer, how must other people feel?

"It's just a shame the police don't have the resources to keep this type of operation going."

Connex spokesman David Ewart said: "We do view the problems of commuters on the Orpington to Victoria trains as serious.

"Our co-operation with the British Transport Police is ongoing and long term, and we welcome the success of this operation.

"It should reassure our customers that we take all potential crime very seriously."

August 7, 2001 10:32