Multiple Arrests Made in Ongoing Crackdown on Drugs and Street Crime

A series of arrests linked to drug supply, weapons possession and safeguarding concerns have marked a busy start to the year for neighbourhood officers working across the Bargate area.

In late December, officers on patrol stopped a suspicious vehicle in a cut-through behind Back of the Walls after noticing it was linked to another region. A search under the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered weapons and evidence of drug supply. One of the occupants attempted to flee and assaulted officers before being safely restrained with PAVA spray and assistance from colleagues. Further searches revealed around 60 individual wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a mobile phone believed to be used for county lines drug dealing. Two men were arrested on suspicion of multiple drug supply offences.

Drug enforcement activity continued into January, with plainclothes patrols in St Mary’s leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old man. Officers observed suspected hand-to-hand drug exchanges before the suspect ran off. He was detained a short distance away, and a search located a bag containing around 40 wraps of suspected crack and heroin. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, with enquiries ongoing.

High-visibility patrols also proved effective later in the month when officers and PCSOs spotted an 18-year-old acting suspiciously near underpasses by Kingsland Estate. After making off on foot, he was detained with support from city CCTV. A search uncovered around 30 wraps of heroin and crack concealed in his underwear. Further searches at his home address resulted in the discovery of additional controlled drugs and weapons. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Alongside enforcement activity, officers have continued safeguarding work with vulnerable residents across the area. During one welfare visit, officers obtained crucial information relating to serious sexual offences, allowing them to protect a victim and arrest a suspect. Neighbourhood teams continue to work closely with partner agencies including the council and NHS to ensure residents receive appropriate support.

Most recently, a patrol in St Mary’s led to the arrest of a 17-year-old after officers stopped him interacting with known drug users. During a search, officers discovered a large zombie-style machete concealed in his waistband. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and the weapon was seized.

Officers say these incidents represent just part of their day-to-day work, which also includes investigations into offences such as assault, burglary, theft and sexual crimes, as well as preparing cases for court. Neighbourhood teams have stressed their commitment to maintaining a visible presence while continuing proactive and investigative work to keep the community safe.