Drugs seized in undercover policing operation
Officers in civilian clothes and unmarked cars patrolled Torquay and made five arrests
An undercover policing operation in Torquay has resulted in five people being arrested and hundreds of pounds' worth of heroin and spice seized by officers.
Devon & Cornwall Police set up the operation to target drug dealing and antisocial behaviour in Torquay town centre.
Officers in civilian clothes and unmarked cars patrolled the town using a variety of tactics to identify individuals suspected of committing offences in the area.
A force spokesperson said: "Hundreds of pounds worth of drugs were seized, including spice and class A drug heroin. Information was also passed to police officers from the public about suspected drug dealing and supply – all reports are being investigated.
"In addition, community resolutions were issued to a number of individuals who admitted to offences, requiring them to complete actions such as engagement with drug rehabilitation services.
"Following the undercover operation, five individuals were arrested for offences including suspected drug dealing and violence. Using the powers of the Public Space Protection Order, three people were dispersed from the area for causing a nuisance to the community and likely to engage in antisocial behaviour. They were ordered to disperse from the town and not return for 24 hours."
Inspector Ben Shardlow, who heads up the neighbourhood policing team in Torquay town centre said: “These immediate results are a step in the right direction. The more unsettling and unstable we are able to make it for criminals to operate in Torquay, the better.
“We will continue to run these plain clothes operations in an unpredictable manner. We want it to be a hostile place for those who look to cause harm in our communities and continue to make it a safer place for residents and visitors.”
In a separate operation. Devon & Cornwall Police recently conducted a proactive warrant at an address in Dawlish - seizing a large quantity of class A drugs from the property.
The warrant took place at the property in October and resulted in the seizure of approximately £2,000 of class A drugs being seized.
A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. The individual is currently on bail while enquiries are ongoing.
Inspector Sean Roper, who heads up the neighbourhood police team in Dawlish, said: “This proactive action sends a clear message that we listen to our communities’ concerns and take robust action against people committing crime.
“We will continue to carry out proactive work to identify offenders, including warrants, gathering intelligence and conducting patrols.
“All information we receive from the public helps us build a picture of crimes happening in our area. These reports help us take action, just like this warrant, to pursue criminals causing harm in our community. We’re listening, and we’re acting on your concerns. So please continue to come forward and report crime information to us.”
The warrant was led by the pro-active unit and the Teignmouth neighbourhood police team.