Drugs Arrests In Somerset

9 May 2013, 16:28 | Updated: 9 May 2013, 16:33

Police have arrested 28 people and executed 12 search warrants during a Somerset West District Day of on the 9th of May.

Over 100 officers were involved in the special day of action, which began at 6am ith activities taking place in Minehead, Taunton, Burnham and Bridgwater. The operation targeted  drug crime and suspects wanted and outstanding for a range of offences.

A number of activities were carried out including the execution of 12 Misuse of Drugs Act warrants across the area. Officers found and seized both Class B drugs including illegally held Methodone, suspected heroin and cannabis, which will now be forensically tested.

Officers also found a small cannabis factory during one of the searches at a premises in Taunton. 24 small plants with an estimated street value of £24,000 were seized and a man arrested on suspicion of cultivation.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and further arrests were made for suspected possession with intent to supply illegal drugs, assault, breach of bail, criminal damage and theft.

In Cheddar, two men aged 25 and 35 were cautioned for possession of cannabis, while in Bridgwater a 36-year-old man was arrested in connection with a burglary in the town and a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault.

Two men from Williton, aged 18 and 40, were arrested for public order offences and a 27-year-old man from Watchet and a 46-year-old man, also from Williton, were arrested for possession of cannabis.

DS Martyn Cannon who was running the operations said:

"Today has been about targeting offenders suspected of being involved in drug crime, theft, burglary and those wanted for other offences including non-payment of fines. All of this criminality has a cost to our communities whether it be the loss of property through theft, the misery brought by drug dealing and its associated anti-social behaviour or other offences which have an negative impact on our neighbourhoods such as criminal damage. It has been a very positive day with over 21 people taken in to custody before 11am, and a further 7 later in the day"

Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley said:

"These dedicated days of action are extremely beneficial. They are highly successful providing immediate, visible and impactive reassurance for our communities. They give us an opportunity to target specific issues, bring the district together in one large operation and send a strong message to our communities - we care about everyone's safety, we will not tolerate those who are committing crime and will continue to bring offenders to justice.  We also hope they encourage people to come forward and let us know about crime taking place in their area. We will listen and we will take action - as today's activities prove.
You can do this by contacting us on the 101 number, through our website www.avonandsomerset.police or come in to a police station or just stop us on the street. Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call."