TWENTY ONE people have been arrested and £10,000 of drugs seized during a major operation targeting Swindon dealers by Wiltshire Police.

Police teams carried out 15 searches during Operation Dragnet last week.

In total, during the week:

  • 15 warrants executed
  • Six Police and Criminal Evidence Act searches were carried out conducted
  • Over £10,000 worth of Class A & B drugs seized
  • Over £10,000 worth of property and proceeds of crime seized
  • Six vehicles seized
  • 15 fixed penalty notices for traffic offences
  • 18 vehicles clamped
  • 21 persons arrested/interviewed/sought.

Those arrested included (all from Swindon) are:

  • A 26-year-old female wanted on warrant - remanded in custody.
  • A 38-year-old male arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply - released on unconditional bail.
  • A 26-year-old male wanted on warrant - remanded in custody.
  • A 42-year-old male and a woman of 55 arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, money laundering and handing stolen goods.
  • Two women, aged 27 and 24, arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
  • A 25-year-old male arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Operation Dragnet also included a day of traffic and automative number plate recognition work with the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency, where 71 vehicles were stopped.

As a result four vehicles were seized and 13 fixed penalty notices were issued for speeding and or not wearing seat belts

The DVLA clamped 18 vehicles and seized two.

Insp Barry Reed, Operation Dragnet lead, said: “We have listened to our residents, our community leaders and our partner agencies, in taking a robust stance against those that cause fear, intimidation and illegal activity within the town.

"In every community meeting I attend, I hear the same thread - our residents are fed up with anti-social behaviour, speeding, violent crime and those that drive while uninsured or disqualified.

"Within the planning of this operation I have listened to the community concerns and fears; we have targeted anti-social behaviour (ASB) through Class B drug suppliers as cannabis is very evident in youth related ASB within our communities.

"We have targeted vehicles/drivers using our roads illegally, we have assisted our Dedicated Crime Team in targeting Dangerous Drug Networks and strived to protect those that are intimidated and bullied to assist in the Class A supply.

"I want to assure the public that we are listening to their concerns and will continue to target those who cause harm within our communities.

Swindon Advertiser: Drugs seized during Operation Dragnet

Drugs seized during Operation Dragnet. Picture: Wiltshire Police

"Much of the action during Operation Dragnet has been instigated through community intelligence and without the consent and support from the public the operation may well have failed.

"We need the continued support of our communities in tackling crime and disorder; if you see or hear anything suspicious or suspect that a crime is being committed in your community please contact us on 101 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Swindon Advertiser: Cash seized during Operation Dragnet

Cash and a knife seized during Operation Dragnet. Pictures: Wiltshire Police

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