Regional operation to tackle drug related crime across the South West returns

The fifth phase of a regional drugs operation involving all five South West Police and Crime Commissioners, their respective police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), and key partners including British Transport Police, launched again last week.

This time round, the operation will focus on the supply chain by organised crime groups and associated crime, in particular modern slavery (criminal exploitation), human trafficking and organised immigration crime.

This week in Wiltshire, local officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a drugs warrant in the Marlborough area. A quantity of Class B drugs was seized and subsequently a male was arrested, interviewed and released whilst an investigation takes place.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Phillip Wilkinson said: “I’ve always been clear that drug crime isn’t just a problem for urban police forces. Since taking office, I’ve been listening to concerns and visited several communities where drug crime, and related anti-social behaviour, blights daily lives.

“Drugs have a huge detrimental impact – from drug cultivation and its links with the exploitation of children and vulnerable people, modern slavery and gang culture, to the direct effects of drug taking including violent crime and associated anti-social behaviour - the ripples are felt in every corner.

“I’m really pleased to already be seeing officers take robust action in Marlborough in direct response to reports of community intelligence. We can only take action like this with the help of the community, and by working together it leads to positive results.

“Tackling crimes that matter to our communities and reducing violence and serious harm are clear priorities within my police and crime plan, and this regional operation is directly contributing to Making Wiltshire Safer - and making the whole of the South West a hostile environment for drugs.”

To report your concerns or to find out more about the signs of cannabis cultivation please visit  Crimestoppers.

Published Friday 9 June 2023