Ten arrested following drugs warrants in Dorset

More than 40 officers swooped on a series of addresses in Swanage and one in Poole on 16 November, as part of an intelligence-led operation to remove suspected drug dealers.

Warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 were executed at eight different addresses and where each address was thoroughly searched.

The events were the second phase of an operation to target drug dealers in Swanage.

Six men, aged between 22 and 39, all from Swanage, one 23-year-old man from Poole, and one women, aged 29, from Swanage were arrested at  private addresses in connection with the alleged supply of class A and B drugs, including cocaine and cannabis.

A quantity of drugs, believed to be class A & class B, were found at an address in Swanage. At another Swanage address, a loft had been modified to allow the cultivation of a number of plants, believed to be cannabis.

All substances found are currently being forensically examined.

The first phase of the operation took place on Saturday evening, 14 November 2009, where a large number of officers executed warrants at two pubs on High Street, The White Swan and Purbeck Hotel.

A 33-year-old man from Swanage was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs, and a 55-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply (class B). Both men are currently on police bail.

Section Commander for Purbeck police, Inspector Chris Weeks said: "Safer Neighbourhood Officers will be visiting the communities that have been affected by the operation, to provide reassurance.

"Officers will also be distributing information leaflets to those concerned, which will describe what has taken place.

"In addition, we will be carrying out high visibility patrols and holding regular forums so that we can listen to any members of our community who still may have concerns."

Swanage Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant Des Connor, said: "All residents and visitors to Swanage have the right to be protected and safe.

"We do rely on information from the public to carry out our role and we would urge anyone with any information in relation to any criminal activity to contact us."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.