Proactive operation in Stone sees seven people arrested on suspicion of drug and criminal exploitation offences

Seven people have been arrested as part of our ongoing efforts to investigate suspected child criminal exploitation (CCE) in Stone.

We carried out proactive searches at 14 different addresses yesterday (Thursday 6 February) in Stone, Blythe Bridge, Barlaston and Stoke-on-Trent where seven people were arrested and drugs and cash were seized.

The operation forms part of our child exploitation team’s ongoing efforts to investigate adults suspected of coercing vulnerable children in local communities into criminality.

The seven people arrested are:

• A 35-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of intent to commit human trafficking, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, conspiracy to supply a class A drug, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, possession of a class A drug and possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs
• A 19-year-old man, from Stone, on suspicion of intent to commit human trafficking, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and supplying a class A drug
• A 44-year-old man, from Blythe Bridge, on suspicion of intent to commit human trafficking, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs
• Two 16-year-old boys, from Stone, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs
• A 16-year-old boy, from Stafford, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug
• A 15-year-old boy, from Stone, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug

All seven have been bailed with conditions while our investigation continues.

Detective Inspector Kirsty Oldfield, from our public protection unit, said: “We want to send a clear message to those involved in child criminal exploitation that you’re not welcome in Staffordshire and we’re working around the clock to stop you.

“Vulnerable children in our communities should not be subjected to coercion by criminal gangs. We’re working closely with our partner agencies to put the right safeguarding measures in place to shield them from the people trying to do them harm.

“It’s absolutely vital that everyone in our local communities knows how to spot the signs that a child might be getting exploited and to report these concerns to us as soon as possible. We will continue to act against those responsible and support victims as much as possible in Staffordshire.”

To report concerns about a child being exploited, call us on 101 or use Live Chat on our website.

You can report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are.

We launched Operation Target in May 2023 and have been working with local police forces to disrupt and pursue criminals who plan, organise and commit serious criminal offences, including county lines drug supply, illegal firearms, knife crime, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Since it was launched, we have arrested more than 1,000 people suspected of drug and weapon offences.

Proactive activity is continuing against those responsible for high-harm crimes on our streets.