News / Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Nine arrested in just one week as police clampdown on drugs in south Bristol heats up
Young and vulnerable people are being exploited to keep the supply of drugs flowing through south Bristol, according to police who are working to combat illegal trade.
An ongoing crackdown on the street-level operations that are wrecking lives and bringing misery to communities has led to nine arrests in Hartcliffe, Withywood and Windmill Hill – in the space of just one week.
“A significant amount” of class A drugs, cannabis plants and thousands of pounds worth of cash were among the items seized in a police raid at a property on Vigor Road, Hartcliffe, on Saturday morning (November 11).
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A 28-year-old man and 43-year-old woman from Hartcliffe, along with a 32-year-old man from Ashton and 28-year-old man from Bishopsworth, were all arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
This follows a drugs bust in Somerset Terrace, Windmill Hill on Wednesday, November 8, in which officers went to speak to two men about a number of thefts and discovered suspected class A substances, as well as scales, cash and mobile phones.
The stash of cash found in Vigor Road
They arrested two men, aged 28 and 57, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, as well as for theft offences.
Hartcliffe beat manager PC Richard Jeffery said: “These latest arrests show that drugs supply continues to be a problem for the communities of south Bristol and that we are determined to reduce the harm this causes.
“Our on-going work has seen some of the established drugs runners being sent to prison, which means younger and more vulnerable people are now being exploited, in order to keep the supply chain going.”
On Monday (November 6), officers arrested a 16-year-old boy from Hartcliffe on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A substances and an 18-year-old man, from Montpelier, who was found at a property in Withywood with a number of wraps of suspected SPICE.
A 20-year-old man was also arrested on Wednesday (November 8) on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, after he ran from a house police were searching in Withywood.
All but one of the nine arrested have been released under investigation, while one man has appeared in court for an outstanding warrant.
“We need the support of local people, who act as our eyes and ears on the ground,” said PC Jeffery. “If you suspect drug-dealing is happening near to where you live, please report this, so that we can take action.”
Contact police by calling 101, or give information via the website.
Alternatively, call Crimsetoppers anonymously non 0800 555 111 or online.
Read more: Weapons seized from flat in crackdown on south Bristol drug dealers
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