After many years of suspecting that the police actually use drug sales to help finance themselves Sir Ian Blair has now openly admitted it in the hope that more people start buying direct from the 'bobby on the street'.

Sir Ian told the Times: "What we are trying to do is make people understand that when they buy from a supplier... they find they are buying from a Metropolitan Police officer."

So next time you need to score some coke just look out for your friendly neighbourhood bobby and go and have a word. He/she will be more than happy to help you out under the new terms.

Or maybe not. If you want to see the quote in context please check out 'Sting' On Middle Class Drug Use (BBC News Online; Saturday 28th January 2006)