Suffolk police cracking down on drug dealing in Mid Suffolk
A weeklong operation in Mid Suffolk to tackle drug dealing in Stowmarket and the surrounding area saw a number of people arrested.
A weeklong operation in Mid Suffolk to tackle drug dealing in Stowmarket and the surrounding area saw a number of people arrested.
The operation took place between 19 and 23 February and involved officers from Stowmarket Community Policing Team (CPT), with assistance from officers from the Response Investigation Teams (RIT), the Special Constabulary and the force’s proactive teams.
On Monday 19 February, officers, using local intelligence, searched a vehicle of interest that had been located, along with two people inside.
A Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act search was carried out and the pair were subsequently arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article.
A large knife being discovered in the rear passenger footwell of the vehicle. A 55-year-old woman was bailed to return to police on 18 March, while a 34-year-old man was bailed to return on 16 May.
On Tuesday, 20 February, CPT stopped two people who had outstanding warrants. Both were arrested and taken into custody to appear before the courts.
On Friday, 23 February, CPT officers located another vehicle of interest in Stowmarket. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot however he was stopped and subsequently he and the vehicle were searched under Section 23 MUDA. A quantity of cash, a mobile phone, an amount of suspected Class A drugs and a knife were located and seized.
The man, aged 22, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of a knife in a public place and obstructing a police officer. He was released under investigation while enquiries continue.
In a separate incident on the Friday, officers from one of the constabulary’s proactive teams arrested a 38-year-old man in Stowmarket on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. CPT officers assisted with searches which led to an amount of suspected Class A drugs being located.
The man was subsequently released under investigation while enquiries continue.
During the week of action CPT officers conducted several safeguarding visits to those at risk of exploitation, with stops and searches carried out based on local intelligence.
Officers also carried out foot patrols to check the local area and provide reassurance.
Sergeant Colin Gedney, a member of Stowmarket Community Policing Team, said: “This operation demonstrates the determination of CPT officers to tackle drug-related activity in Mid Suffolk. The team worked overtime to ensure the operation was a success."