Police seize nearly half a million pounds of drugs in blitz (Nottingham, UK)
Police seize nearly half a million pounds of drugs in blitz
DRUGS with a street value of more than half-a-million pounds were seized by police during a crackdown on dealers in Aspley and on the Broxtowe Estate.
Operation Barnstormer saw a team of four officers raid 76 properties with suspected links to drugs.
They arrested 57 people and found 797 cannabis plants, worth £438,000 and heroin, cocaine and amphetamines worth a total of £94,700.
So far, 15 charges relating to the supply and possession of drugs have been brought, 20 people have been cautioned and a further eight people have been given cannabis warnings.
Eleven weapons, including a Samurai sword, were also seized, along with £5,080 in cash, mobile phones and drug-making equipment.
The operation began in September last year and was based on information from the local community.
Police worked closely with the anti-social behaviour team at Radford Road police station and Nottingham City Homes.
Many of those arrested are now facing eviction and having to pay substantial compensation for damage to council-owned properties.
Sergeant Ian Cresswell said: "Community intelligence is vital. The people of Broxtowe and Aspley told us there was a problem with drugs in the area and identified certain houses and individuals.
The Post reported in January how 18-year-old mum Chantelle Perry allowed a friend called "Aaron" to use her loft to grow cannabis plants potentially worth £20,500.
Perry agreed she would be paid £1,000 and moved out of her home in Fulwood Crescent, Aspley, allowing "Aaron", who has not been traced, to let himself in with a key to check on his drugs.
Police discovered the plants last June and then arrested Perry.
At Nottingham Crown Court, she was given a one-year community order, including supervision from the Probation Service and unpaid work, after pleading guilty to allowing her home to be used for cannabis production.
Link:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/n...ugs-blitz/article-2150422-detail/article.html