United against drug crime: South West police join forces to target drug criminality

Gloucestershire Constabulary joined police forces from across the South West in a coordinated effort to combat drug-related crime on our roads and in our communities. 

This saw colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police, Devon and Cornwall Police, Dorset Police, Wiltshire Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit) working together last week (Monday 30 September to Sunday 6 October).

The operation focused on disrupting drug markets, dismantling organised crime groups, and safeguarding our communities from the harm associated with drug crime, including serious violence and anti-social behaviour. 

By sharing intelligence and resources, officers across the region conducted targeted actions such as:

• Intelligence-led vehicle stops
• Search warrants at properties suspected of drug activity
• High-visibility patrols in areas known for drug crime
• Community engagement events to educate the public about the risks of drug-related crime

Across the week, regional results included:

• 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving
• 19 people charged with offences to date
• The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills
• Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime
• 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools
• At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks
• 6 weapons seized

In Gloucestershire, officers from the Vanguard and Neighbourhood Policing teams conducted a number of drugs warrants while officers from the Roads Policing Unit conducted roadside stops of motorists believed to be involved in drug dealing or under the influence.

One warrant resulted in five males from Cheltenham and aged between 17 and 24 being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis after £12,000 worth of Class A drugs were recovered. The males were released on bail pending further enquiries. 

Officers from the Tewkesbury Vanguard, Local and Neighbourhood Policing teams also seized over 200 cannabis plants which were being grown at an abandoned property along with related paraphernalia. 

A number of patrols, educational, safeguarding and preventative measures were also conducted in the Cotswolds, Stroud, Forest of Dean and Gloucester.

Operational lead Chief Inspector Si Motala said: "I am hopeful that working with colleagues from our neighbouring forces shows our commitment to making the South West no place for drugs.

"I would like to thank my officers and the members of the public who submitted intelligence about drug dealing in their communities as this allowed us to target those who think they can get away with drug dealing in our county.

"Moving forward we will continue to pursue those who commit drugs crimes in Gloucestershire, work with our partners to safeguard and support the vulnerable and provide education about the impacts and risks of drugs."

 Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins of Avon and Somerset Police, who led this round of the operation, said: "Criminals exploit our region’s roads to traffic drugs, cash, weapons, and vulnerable people into our communities.

"They profit from the misery that drug crime brings, whilst our communities suffer for it. We won’t accept this.

"Last week, we jointly focused on creating a difficult environment for criminals to operate in. Our roads policing units stopped vehicles believed to be involved in drug crime, which resulted in drugs, weapons and cash being recovered.

"Meanwhile our neighbourhood policing teams worked in communities, carrying out warrants where drugs activity was suspected and protecting people living in those areas from drugs-related issues.

"Information provided by the public was critical to the operation’s success and I want to thank everyone who has shared information with us. You know your community best. If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening, please report it directly to the police or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, because your vigilance helps us protect you and those around you. Even a small piece of information could be the missing piece we need to disrupt an organised criminal network or safeguard a vulnerable person."

Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson says: "I commend the continued excellent work of Gloucestershire Constabulary at tackling drugs through teamwork in these regional operations.

"This type of work is proactive and tackles crime and criminals head-on.

"These criminal gangs that the force and its partners target during the week of action are dangerous and exploitative.

"I hope this action sends a clear message to criminals – we will relentlessly pursue you, to keep others safe from your harm."

The community can play a vital role in identifying potential drug-related activity and crime. Signs to look for include:

• An increase in visitors or vehicles at a residence 
• New, unfamiliar faces appearing frequently 
• Changes in a resident’s behaviour—becoming secretive, withdrawn, or aggressive 
• Young people with unexplained, expensive new items (clothes, phones, etc.) 
• residents or young people going missing for extended periods 
• Young people seeming unfamiliar with your community or where they are 
• Suspicious vehicles - criminals often use cars, vans, and other vehicles to traffic drugs, cash, weapons, and vulnerable people. If you notice a vehicle repeatedly coming and going at odd times, parked in unusual locations, or being driven suspiciously, take note of the make, model, colour, and registration number. Even a small detail could be the key to disrupting a criminal network.

Anyone with information about illegal drugs activity should report it to their local police service online or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

To pass on information anonymously, speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or use their non-traceable online form. Contact will remain 100% anonymous. Always. They will never ask for a name or contact details and the phone call or online report will never be traced. If the information supplied leads to an arrest and charge, there could be a cash reward of up to £1,000.

Class A drugs seized during a drugs warrant in Cheltenham

 

Class A drugs seized during a drugs warrant in Cheltenham

 

Cannabis plants found at abandoned property in Tewkesbury

 

Cannabis plants found at abandoned property in Tewkesbury