Four arrested as major and organised crime teams strike

Four people have been arrested and cocaine, cash and mobile phones seized as we continue to crack down on those bringing illegal drugs into Staffordshire and exploiting the vulnerable.

Our major and organised crime proactive teams carried out three coordinated warrants this morning (Wednesday 26 June).

Detectives forced entry to properties in Blythe Bridge, Normacot and Sandford Hill at around 7am. They found cocaine, mobile phones believed to be linked to drug dealing, and approximately £5,000-plus in cash.

An 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, both from the Stoke-on-Trent area, have been arrested on suspicion of being in possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine) and possessing criminal property.

A 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man, both also from the Stoke-on-Trent area, have been arrested on suspicion of being in possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine).

Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, from our Major and Organised Crime Team, said: “Our officers are working harder than ever to target the individuals and criminal networks that bring misery to our communities in the form of drug dealing, violence and exploitation.

“Our proactive and local teams will continue to gather intelligence and act on the concerns of the public to make our county a hostile place where these criminals find it increasingly difficult to operate. This is another good result.”

The activity follows our ongoing commitment to proactively target serious and organised crime across Staffordshire.

We launched Operation Target in May last year and have been working to disrupt and pursue criminals who plan, organise and commit serious criminal offences across the county, including drug supply, illegal firearms, knife crime, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Our teams have also been working closely with partners in the local authority, health and third sector to identify and safeguard individuals who have been exploited.

To read more about the work we’ve been doing, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/news/staffordshire/news/2023/may/major-operation-to-target-serious-organised-crime-launched/

To report crime or drug dealing in your community please contact us on 101, or via our Live Chat facility on our website.

Or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Tell us what you know not who you are.