Eight arrested after drugs raids in Bath

One has also been detained on suspicion of trafficking a child

Author: James DiamondPublished 18th Nov 2022

Eight people have been arrested on drugs and other charges after police raids in Bath.

Avon and Somerset Police say they visited the Snow Hill area of the city on Tuesday (November 15) as part of a long running campaign called Operation Scorpion, targeting the supply of drugs into the region.

Weapons, cash and drugs were also seized, two of the eight have been charged with multiple offences, with one already pleading guilty in court.

"Aaron Gardiner, 20, of Harlech Close, Keynsham, has been charged with three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine," a statement from the police reads.

"He was also charged with one count of possession of criminal property."

Gardiner admitted all four counts during a hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday November 17, has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, 15 December.

A second person, a 22-year-old man, also appeared at the same court yesterday, charged with eight offences including three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine, one count of possession of an offensive weapon and two counts relating to modern slavery offences.

He didn’t enter a plea and was remanded in custody to next appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 16 December.

Two other men, a woman and two teenage boys, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

The adults were released under investigation, while the teenagers were released on bail.

The eighth person, a man, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking a child.

DI Angela Burtonwood said: "This is part of a country line investigation led by the dedicated team and in partnership with our neighbourhood and Op Scorpion partners.

"Warrants were obtained following information received from members of the public, which are vital in operations like this.

"County lines exploit both young and vulnerable people in the community.

"The seizures made during these warrants have significant impact and help keep the public safe."

Reassurance patrols will now be carried out in the local area, with members of the public encouraged to speak to officers.

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