Seven arrested on suspicion of child exploitation and drug crimes in Staffordshire

Staffordshire Police teams carried out proactive searches at 14 addresses on Thursday, as part of an operation to investigate adults suspected of coercing young vulnerable children to get involved in crime. 

The operation saw police visit 14 addresses across the Stone,  Blythe Bridge, Barlaston and Stoke-on-Trent areas, where seven people were arrested and drugs and cash seized. 

The operation formed part of Staffordshire Police's Child Exploitation Team's efforts to protect young vulnerable children from being pressured into committing crimes by adults. 

Of the seven arrested, there was one teenager from Stafford.

Seven arrested

The arrested are as follows:

A 35-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of intent to commit human trafficking, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, conspiracy to supply a class A drug, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, possession of a class A drug and possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs

A 19-year-old man, from Stone, on suspicion of intent to commit human trafficking, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and supplying a class A drug

A 44-year-old man, from Blythe Bridge, on suspicion of intent to commit human trafficking, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and being concerned with the supply of class A and B drugs.

Two 16-year-old boys, from Stone, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs

A 16-year-old boy, from Stafford, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug

A 15-year-old boy, from Stone, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug

All seven arrested were bailed with conditions while investigations continue. 

Detective Inspector Kirsty Oldfield, from the force's public protection unit, said: “We want to send a clear message to those involved in child criminal exploitation that you’re not welcome in Staffordshire and we’re working around the clock to stop you.

“Vulnerable children in our communities should not be subjected to coercion by criminal gangs. We’re working closely with our partner agencies to put the right safeguarding measures in place to shield them from the people trying to do them harm.

“It’s absolutely vital that everyone in our local communities knows how to spot the signs that a child might be getting exploited and to report these concerns to us as soon as possible. We will continue to act against those responsible and support victims as much as possible in Staffordshire.”

To report concerns about a child being exploited, call Staffordshire Police on 101 or alternatively use the Live Chat service on their website.