Boy, 14, arrested in St Paul’s as part of police crackdown on drugs

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after being found in possession of a knife, cash and class A drugs.

The teenager, from Montpelier, was caught in St Paul’s cemetery last Wednesday by officers, who witnessed him dealing to known drug users.

Police say the arrest of someone so young shows what they are up against in ongoing operations to crack down on the illegal trade that is tearing communities apart.

A 17-year-old boy from Eastville, who was also at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of class A drugs.

Both teenagers have since been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

Some of the drugs and cash seized by police last week

The crackdown on illegal drugs in Easton and St Paul’s also saw a series of arrests over the course of the same day.

Easton Neighbourhood Sergeant Chris Green said: “These arrests and charges show that we are committed to reducing the harm caused by drugs in the communities of St Paul’s and Easton and that we are in it for the long haul.

“The fact that a 14-year-old boy was caught with a knife and a significant amount of drugs demonstrates what we’re up against. The people at the top of the chain don’t care who they exploit in their pursuit of money form drugs.

“We know that local people appreciate our on-going work in their community. Residents tell me and my team every day that they are sick and tired of drugs being dealt in the streets where their children play and walk to school.”

Over the course of the day, a 31-year-old man from St Paul’s was arrest on suspicion of possession of class B drugs, at a carwash on Ashley Road. He received a caution.

Dennis Ferdinand, 61, from Easton, was arrested at the same place and charged with possession of Class B drugs. He was bailed and will appear at Bristol Magistrates Court on April 19.

Later that day, officers witnessed drug dealing in Mina Road and arrested a 17-year-old boy from Redland on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. A subsequent search of his home address uncovered a large amount of class A drugs.

Police say that several ‘deals’ were observed by officers within the space of a few minutes at Ashfield Place.

Glenroy Henry, 60, from Clouds Hill Road was charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs and has also been bailed to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court on April 19.

A 35-year-old man from Lockleaze and a 20-year-old woman from Stapleton, were stopped in a car on Ashley Road after they were seen dealing drugs to known users.

They were both arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and have been released under investigation.

Sergeant Green added: “Please tell us what you know – information from the community is the key to our work and we can’t run this operation without it.

“You don’t have to speak to us directly, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Rewards of up to £1000 are offered for information leading to an arrest and charge.”

You can report suspicious activity via the Avon and Somerset Police website or by calling 101. Dial 999 if a crime is in progress.

Or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

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