Police target Gloucester shops as part of regional drugs operation
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Eight shops on Barton Street, Gloucester, have been targeted in a drugs warrant by police this morning (Wednesday 29 March).
The raids were a result of concerns raised by the community around the issue of drug dealing, which was taking place at premises along the street.
Six shops were targeted simultaneously by around 70 officers at around 9.25am.
Local Policing, Neighbourhood Policing, Specialist Operations and Dogs units were involved in the warrants. They were also supported by officers from HM Revenue and Customs and Trading Standards.
As a result of the warrants, police seized £3,000 worth of Class A drugs and £2,500 worth of Class B drugs, along with £15,000 worth of illegal tobacco. Two people have also been arrested.
Among the items discovered were bags of cannabis hidden among a box of crisps, as well as a quantity of cocaine that had been stored in the glove compartment of a vehicle.
Closure Orders were ratified by the courts and have been put in place on all of the shops which were raided, along with two further properties.
Today’s activity is part of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s commitment to a regional drugs operation aimed at clamping down on drugs crime and making the South West no place for drugs.
The operation was instigated by the regional Police and Crime Commissioners and involves five police forces across the region, as well as the South West Regional and Organised Crime Unit.
Inspector Marcus Forbes-George said: “The warrants today are in response to concerns that had been raised by the community around drug dealing in Barton Street.
“Fake shops had been set up by dealers in order to cover for their vile trade in illegal drugs.
“We would like to thank local residents for their patience during the disruption this morning.
“This is sometimes necessary when carrying out enforcement action of this nature, and we hope this will give them some respite from the dealers who have been blighting their community.
“We want people to know we always listen to their concerns around drugs and take action wherever we can. If you have information on drugs crime please report it via our website or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”