News / Crime
Gun seized as police continue drugs crackdown
Five men were arrested on suspicion drug dealing and one firearm was seized as police continued a clampdown on drug-related crime around St Paul’s and Easton.
Officers working on intelligence carried out stop-checks as part of a commitment to local residents that they would not let new dealers emerge following a huge crackdown in the areas last Autumn.
More than 60 people were sent to prison for over 180 years in total in January after a succession of raids in St Paul’s and Easton which targeted street level drug dealing.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 published a full investigation into whether the crackdown had worked.
Police said further arrests made on Tuesday demonstrate their tactics are working. Anthony Westwell, Neighbourhood Sergeant, said: “Yesterday’s results show our commitment to keeping up the pressure on those who are intent on dealing drugs and causing trouble in the area.
“Local people tell us that they want to feel safe and don’t want to live in the shadows of crime and drugs. Our teams know the area well and know what’s going on in the community.”
On Tuesday:
A stop-check resulted in a 33-year-old man from St Andrews being arrested on suspicion of dealing Class A drugs and possession of a firearm, which police seized. He is currently being questioned in custody.
A 30-year-old man from Southville who was wanted on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs was arrested and is currently in custody.
A 27-year-old man from Easton was summonsed to court after police stopped his car and found him to be a disqualified driver with no insurance. His passenger was a 32-year-old man, also from Easton, who was wanted for robbery. He was arrested and the car they were in was seized.
A 22-year-old man from Bedminster Down was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. These, a quantity of cash and a mobile phone were all seized. He was later charged with dealing.
Police said they also stopped a 16-year-old boy in St George Park who was found to be in possession of cannabis and two boys, aged 13 and 16, who were found to have a stolen bike.
Due to their ages they will be referred to Catch 22, a charity working with young people at risk of getting involved in organised crime.
Westwell added that it was vital to the success of future operations that police continue receiving information from local people.
“So please do tell us what you know, either by contacting us online, calling 101, or through Crimestoppers,” he said.
Read more: Will the cycle of drug dealing in St Paul’s and Easton?
Watch: Bristol24/7’s documentary video, Crackdown: