More than 100 people arrested in South West as part of police drug operation

Cash and weapons have also been seized.

Published 5th Apr 2023

More than 100 people have been arrested as part of a operation to target drugs in the South West over the past week - including in Swindon.

More than three quarters of a million pounds worth of drugs were seized along with more than £100,000 in cash.

173 weapons were also taken off the streets

Superintendent Paul Keasey, Gloucestershire Constabulary, who led the operation, said: "This has been an outstanding week of action with some fantastic results which demonstrate the value of the five forces working together and sends out the strongest message possible that the South West is no place for drugs.

"Not only have we been able to recover a large quantity of drugs and disrupted gangs and individuals who deal in them, we have also taken a number of dangerous weapons off the streets, making the region a much safer place. As well as commending the officers who took part, I want to thank the public who have come forward in their numbers with the information that has made these operations possible and contributed so much to their success.

"Together with our partners we have also sought to strengthen the support and safeguarding activity to the vulnerable, as well as providing educational material to schools detailing the issues and impact of taking drugs.

"The support of the public throughout the operation has been fantastic. Many of the activities delivered were as a result of concerns raised by, or using information provided by, the public. Their support and willingness to share their concerns about illegal activities has allowed us to make the South West a hostile environment for criminals. As demonstrated during the past week, we will always act upon the information communities provide."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.