Arrest made as part of Cheltenham Festival community policing operation

Great work from multiple teams working the Cheltenham Festival resulted in the arrest of a man for drug dealing offences.

On Wednesday (11 March), police received information about a car which was driving around with a man offering cocaine for sale to racegoers.

As a result officers from the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cotswolds Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Dogs Unit, Special Constabulary and Drone Unit worked swiftly and effectively to locate the car.

Officers searched the man and his vehicle locating four mobile phones and a large quantity of cash.

A 33-year-old man from Gloucestershire was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

A drone operator was nearby and began recording what was happening due to the behaviour of those involved.

After this footage was reviewed it was found that the man had hidden multiple sealed packages underneath a nearby cone. Officers looked under the cone and found multiple bags of powder.

These bags were seized and the man was taken to police custody while further enquiries were conducted. He has since been released on bail and an investigation is ongoing.

Inspector Steve Benbow from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This incident is a testament to how great results can be achieved through collaborative working between multiple departments and specialist capabilities to achieve great results in tackling crime in Gloucestershire."