News / Bristol
Weapons seized from flat in crackdown on South Bristol drug dealers
Several weapons, including a sword and nunchucks, were seized from a Hartcliffe flat that had been ‘cuckooed’ by drug dealers.
The bust on Wednesday (August 30) came just days after police raided a property in Sandholme Road, Brislington, where officers caught a woman in the process of cutting up Class A drugs. Four people were arrested for involvement in the supply of Class A substances.
Neighbourhood sergeant Richard Jeffery said: “We believe both flats had been ‘cuckooed’, or taken over, by drug dealers.
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“Not only were vulnerable people being exploited in their own homes, but local residents were left feeling unsafe and having to put up with people coming and going at all hours.”
Drugs found by police at a flat in Brislington
The flat in Rowan House, Hartcliffe, has now been boarded up and a closure order has been granted following complaints of drug use and dealing there.
Police say they are targeting the drug dealing that is going on behind closed doors in homes such as these, as well as running operations to catch people who are selling on the street.
The clampdown has led to a series of arrests.
Matthew Luxton, 36, from Coates Walk, Knowle was arrested and later charged with possession of heroin and cocaine on Tuesday (August 29) after police acted on reports that a man was dealing in a car park in Inns Court.
A 19-year-old man, who is currently on licence from prison, was also arrested last week on suspicion of dealing around St Anne’s. Drugs and CS gas were seized from him.
Connor Moore, 21, from Gatehouse Way, Withywood, was recently caught and charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance or a licence, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident, after making off from officers on a previous operation.
“Every time we run these drugs operations, we seize several uninsured cars which we know are being used to deal drugs,” said Sgt Jeffery.
“People need to take note of two recent cases where the drivers have actually made off and subsequently found themselves charged with dangerous driving, meaning they could face a prison sentence.
“Most of these arrests are on the back of information from local people. I hope communities feel encouraged by the action we’re taking and, even if anonymously, keep it coming.”
Anyone with information about people they believe to be dealing drugs should report their suspicions to the police online or call 101.
Or, to give information anonymously, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit: www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Names are not required and calls cannot be traced.
If you, or someone you know, needs help for alcohol and drug misuse, contact Bristol ROADS (Recovery Orientated Alcohol & Drugs Service), where a wide range of services are available for people wanting to access treatment and support.
Read more: Will it ever end?
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