A number of arrests for drug-related offences have been made across Bristol. Neighbourhood policing teams have been working to disrupt and apprehend suspected dealers and to prevent anti-social behaviour by drug users.
In east Bristol, officers have stopped several men and boys and recovered significant quantities of drugs and cash along with a number of knives and mobile phones. The work, which included officers in uniform and plain clothes, came after residents raised concerns of people selling drugs in public places, in particular the Stapleton Road area.
Five of those arrested have since been charged with offences including being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possessing with intent to supply Class and Class B drugs, possessing offensive weapons and possessing criminal property. They have all been remanded into custody after appearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.
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Neighbourhood officers have also been seeking out drugs dealers in north and central Bristol. The team have arrested 10 people in recent days for drug related offences – nine men and a woman.
Three of the men have been remanded into custody after appearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court charged with offences including possessing both Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply and possessing offensive weapons in both public and private places. Those not charged have either been released on bail with conditions or released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out.
In addition to the enforcement activity, officers have also put in place safeguarding measures for residents known to be vulnerable to exploitation. These measures include an emergency closure order for a flat in in the Redcliffe area which has been blighted by drug-related anti-social behaviour and crime for several months. The property will be closed for three months, and the occupant has also signed an Acceptable Behaviour Contract and been provided access to specialist support services.
In south Bristol, the force's anti-social behaviour team has also obtained a closure order for an address in Bedminster. It followed multiple reports of drugs and sexual services being sold from the flat as well as anti-social behaviour. The premises has been secured and no one will be able to gain access to it three months.
Inspector Catherine Leigh, of the Bristol East neighbourhood team, said: “Drugs destroy the lives of those who take them but also those around them. We have been listening to our communities and keeping track of all the reports we’ve received relating to drug supply and use.
“Neighbourhood teams across the city have then acted on this intelligence and have made a significant impact on those intent on causing harm by selling and using drugs both in public and private places. Thousands of pounds of cash and significant quantities of drugs have been taken off the streets along with some dangerous weapons.
“We are committed to reducing the harm caused by drugs and bringing those involved in such offences to justice. I hope this activity provides some reassurance to those residents whose lives have been affected by drug offences. We will continue to take positive action.”
Avon and Somerset Police are urging anyone with information about people they believe are dealing drugs to call 101 or visit this website. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
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