Ten people have been arrested in Gloucestershire as part of the latest phase in a regional operation to crackdown on drug supply networks.
Six men, three women and a teenage boy were arrested, with six charged and remanded in custody and the other four released on bail while further enquiries take place.
As well as the arrests, officers visited people where concerns had been raised about potential cuckooing – this is when a drug dealer takes over a vulnerable person’s address in order to use it as a base to commit crime.
The focus of the latest phase, which also coincided with the national County Lines Intensification Week, was on those who exploit children and those who enable drug dealers to operate in our communities.
Eight people were safeguarded and officers worked with partner agencies to put measures in place to ensure a long-term plan for their support.
Taxi drivers and local hotels were spoken with in order to raise awareness of the signs to spot when it comes to criminals exploiting children and drug dealing activity.
A series of warrants took place across the week of action which resulted in £1,475 in cash and drugs with a street value of around £12,000 being seized. Three knives, three vehicles and five mobile phones were also seized.
Those arrested include two women from Gloucester on suspicion of class A drug supply offences, a man arrested who was linked to the supply of cocaine in the Stroud and Cotswolds areas of the county, and a man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Also during the week, which ran from 23 June, a vehicle search revealed a container with wraps of cocaine, and a warrant took place at one premises which was linked to drug supply and the exploitation of children. Cannabis, phones and items including knives were seized from the address with an urgent referral made to a partner agency for a child linked to the location.
Avon & Somerset Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Wiltshire Police teamed up with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit to harness their collective capabilities in disrupting the supply of illegal drugs in the region. Over the week there were 102 people arrested.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said: “We’re determined to disrupt those involved with the supply of drugs in Gloucestershire, and particularly those who exploit children as part of this.
“It’s key that we target those responsible for the serious and organised crime, but it’s also important that there is a joint effort to prevent people from coming to harm in the first place.
“Over this latest phase, education and awareness raising has been taking place to highlight the signs to spot to protect young people who criminals are exploiting right here in Gloucestershire.
“Our collective aim is to make the South West a hostile environment for organised crime groups, and we continue to urge anyone with information relating to child exploitation or suspected drug dealing activity to report it to us.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “We are determined to send out a message that Gloucestershire is no place for drugs. These results show our commitment to tough enforcement when it comes to dealing with illegal drugs throughout our county and the South West.
“Robustly tackling those intent on causing our communities harm is vital. This operation has once again showed its value, closing down county lines and protecting vulnerable people, including children.
“Combining the resources of all of the region’s forces, demonstrates a united approach to policing in an attempt to reduce the serious harm and violence caused by drugs. Recognising the signs and behaviour to look out for, we can all play our part in smashing these gangs and send a clear message that this region will not tolerate this harmful criminal activity.”
If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening where you live, please report it to the police.
Call 101 or report online at https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ If anyone is in immediate danger call 999.
If you wish to remain completely anonymous you can use Crimestoppers, an independent charity, by reporting online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111.
