Gloucestershire Police carry out drug raids on Barton Street
Six shops were targeted with officers seizing more then £5,000 worth of illegal drugs
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
Eight shops along Barton Street have now been closed after Gloucestershire Police carried out drug raids this morning (Wednesday 29 March.
Working along HM Revenue and Customs and Trading Standards, 70 officers targeted six shops at 9:25am.
During the raids, they seized £3,000 worth of Class A drugs and £2,500 worth of Class B drugs, along with £15,000 worth of illegal tobacco.
Two people have been arrested after officers discovered cannabis being stored among packets of crisps and cocaine inside the glove compartment of a vehicle.
Closure order have now been put in place on all the raided shops, along with two other properties.
Today's action is part of Gloucestershire Police's crack down that wants to show their is "no place for drugs" in the South West.
It's an operation taking place throughout the week, led by regional Police and Crime Commissioners and involving five police forces across the region.
nspector Marcus Forbes-George said: “The warrants today are in response to concerns that had been raised by the community around drug dealing in Barton Street.
“Fake shops had been set up by dealers in order to cover for their vile trade in illegal drugs.
“We would like to thank local residents for their patience during the disruption this morning.
“This is sometimes necessary when carrying out enforcement action of this nature, and we hope this will give them some respite from the dealers who have been blighting their community.
Concerns were first raised by the local community, and Gloucestershire Police ask the public to continue their proactive communication of drug related concerns.