DORSET MAJOR DRUGS OPERATION

Further arrests made in rural Dorset following major drugs operation.

A total of 19 people have been arrested in rural Dorset, following one of the largest drugs operations of its kind.

In the past week, more than 60 officers have targeted addresses in Dorchester and Blandford, in a three-day covert operation in connection with the alleged supply of Class A controlled drugs.

Following a two day operation in Dorchester (1 and 2 October 2008), teams of officers arrested a total of 13 people in a number of different locations, in connection with the alleged supply of Class A drugs.

Those arrested in Dorchester over the two-days include nine men, aged between 27 and 49, and four women, aged between 17 and 47. Two other men, aged 33 and 41 were arrested in connection with other drugs offences.

Section Commander for Dorchester & Sherborne, Inspector Les Fry, said: “We welcome this action that has taken place in Dorchester, as it should have a beneficial impact on the community.

“Dorchester is one of the safest towns in the UK, and will continue to be so, and we will work with all our partner agencies such as Magna Housing Association, West Dorset District Council and Dorchester Town Council to make sure that communities feel safe and continue to be safe. “

On Thursday 25 September 2008 in Blandford, five men, aged between 30 and 44 and one woman, aged 47, were arrested at a number of different locations, as part of the same operation.

Divisional Superintendent, Gary Smith said: “This has been the largest drugs operation ever carried out in Dorset county division. Our aim was to create major disruption to the drugs market in two of our rural towns and we have succeeded in doing so thanks to many hours of discreet observations.

“We have also been acting on intelligence provided by the community and we hope that these results will continue to encourage residents to come forward with information.”

A follow-up operation has been launched to deal with the impact on communities affected by drugs and the recent arrests.

Under Operation Bearing, Safer Neighbourhood Officers will provide reassurance for local residents, high visibility patrols and regular forums for members of the community to voice their concerns or pass on further intelligence. They will also work closely with partner organisations to identify remaining drug users and to give them access to support and rehabilitation.

Superintendent Smith continued: “This operation has enabled us to identify a lot of Class A drug users who clearly need help and part of the planning process was to involve our partners including local drug action teams, who’ll be able to provide support and treatment to users who may be affected by the sudden drop in supply.

“We won’t tolerate these markets being re-established, expect further police activity in rural Dorset, over the coming weeks.”

The arrests follow investigations into offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.