Warrant in Cotswolds leads to arrest of man, seizure of class A drugs and cash

Suspected cocaine and cannabis recovered while cash and high value clothes seized

Nearly £3000 of suspected class A drugs were recovered and a man arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences after officers carried out a warrant in the Cotswolds early this morning (Tuesday 1 March).

A team dedicated to tackling serious criminality raided a house on the outskirts of Cirencester, following several months of gathering and developing intelligence around the supply of cocaine into the Cotswolds and Stroud areas.

In order to secure the best evidence entry to the address was forced just before 7am and in a coordinated operation officers were able to recover around an ounce of suspected cocaine and a quantity of cannabis, along with drugs paraphernalia.

High value clothes and trainers were also confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act while officers establish if they were acquired through criminality and thousands of pounds in cash was seized under the Misuse of Drugs Act as suspected evidence of drug dealing.

Officers who attended the property also had to ensure the welfare and care of others at the address during this morning’s activity.

Sergeant Craig Openshaw, of the Force Crime Operations team, said: “Due to our swift and professional operation this morning we managed to recover a package thrown from the house and considerable evidence from within the property.

“Alongside the suspected drugs that were recovered there was some evidence that significant quantities of cocaine had passed through the address previously.

“These drugs were destined for our county’s streets and the money from them will have been funding the lifestyles of those coordinating it.

“We hope this sends out a clear message to criminals intent on illegal drug supply that there is no place for them here.

“My team and local policing teams across the county are doing work each day to detect drugs criminality. We will find you and we won’t stop until we’ve got you.

“Please help us keep Gloucestershire free of drugs. If you have information you would like to pass on anonymously, you can 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. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always. They will never ask for your name or contact details and the phone call or online report will never be traced. If the information you supply leads to an arrest and charge, you could get a cash reward of up to £1,000.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Evans, said: “This is an excellent example of how Gloucestershire Constabulary is meeting the PCC’s policing priorities to tackle serious and organised crime, and make Gloucestershire safer.

“Drugs do incredible harm to communities and individuals. Removing a substantial amount of cocaine from the streets of Gloucestershire is a very positive result, and enforces our message that Gloucestershire will stand tough in the fight against organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs.

“ I commend the hard-working teams involved in this case and hope to see much more of this proactive policing over the coming months.”

The man arrested in connection with today’s warrant was detained on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property. He remains in custody at this time while enquiries continue."