Eight held in drugs swoop
Eight suspected drug dealers across Stafford and Stone were arrested in dawn raids today as part of a police bid to crackdown on cocaine-fuelled violence.
Eight suspected drug dealers across Stafford and Stone were arrested in dawn raids today as part of a police bid to crackdown on cocaine-fuelled violence.
The swoops were part of Staffordshire Police's county-wide offensive Operation Nemesis. Officers from the Chase Division and the force's Tactical Support Team raided 10 addresses across Stafford, Stone and Uttoxeter.
Quantities of drugs, money and mobile phones and documentation were seized.
In Stafford, five men aged 24, 27, 33, 38, 42 were arrested for conspiracy to supply cocaine. And in Stone, three men aged 19, 22 and 31 were arrested for possession of controlled drugs.
All eight men were taken into custody for questioning this morning.
In Victor Street, Stone, a man was arrested following the raid. Police took away items including a cash box for analysis. A drugs dog searched the premises along with drugs teams.
Supt Adrian Bloor said: "Operation Nemesis targets drug dealers and brings them to justice.
"Today's operation is aimed at disrupting the supply of cocaine into the night-time economies of Stafford and Stone.
"Cocaine can affect the way that people behave and we are aware that there are strong links between alcohol, drug misuse and town centre violence.
"Our aim and that of our partners is to keep our town centres safe and we're targeting the small minority of people that drink too much, abuse drugs and can then spoil the atmosphere for others.
"Working with the borough council, local licensees and drug and alcohol support groups, we want to ensure that those enjoying a night out can do so without incident. Stafford Borough is a safe and enjoyable place and we aim to ensure it stays that way."
Local neighbourhood information has been distributed to homes in and around the targeted addresses, telling residents about the arrests and appealing for information about drug use in their neighbourhoods.
Assisted by local licensees, the borough council and support agencies, officers will be re-enforcing the message tonight and over the festive period that drug and alcohol-related violence will not be tolerated.
Advice and guidance will be handed out to revellers to highlight the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and offer support to those that feel they need it.
