Police target drug dealers in early morning Gloucester raids
A series of dramatic early morning raids on suspected drug dealers took place in Gloucester yesterday.
A sniffer dog is seen snooping around a bedroom in just one of four raids that occurred shortly after 7am yesterday as part of Operation Bloodhound.
More than 40 officers raided the properties, shouting "police" as officers, wearing protective headgear smashed down doors with battering rams to gain entry into the homes.
Fellow officers then followed into the properties and carried out searches with the help of the dog.
Nothing was found at the properties in Stroud Road, Midland Road, Stanley Terrace and St Mark Street but police said they wanted to show members of the public that they take community tip-offs very seriously.
Inspector Mark Soderland said: "While we did not find anything in these particular cases, searching properties in reaction to information from the public is a crucial part of our work and I hope shows the local community that we do take drug crime very seriously.
"We do not make decisions to search properties lightly and in the majority of searches we have held this year we have found drugs or evidence of drugs use, so it is an effective means of detecting drug crime.
"I know drug crime is an issue many people in Gloucester want us to target as a priority. This type of action is intended to keep our neighbourhoods free of drugs and the misery they can cause."
On Friday, police swooped on three homes in Gloucester, arresting one man after finding what is believed to be either a Class A drug or mephedrone in his attic.
Drugs raids were carried out in Norman Ball Way, Cecil Road and at the Docks, during Operation Abba acting on intelligence from the community which linked the three homes together.
Last week, a raid was also carried out at a house in Parkend Road and seized what is suspected to be crack cocaine and cannabis.
A 23-year-old man from London was arrested later in the day and charged with possession of a class A and class B drug in connection with the case.
He was bailed to appear at Gloucester Magistrate's Court on September 22.
3 Comments
by Jen, Abbeydale
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 9:34PM
“John, I agree. A relative of mine had her house raided on St. Marks St, nothing was found and they failed to tell her what they were even looking for, which I'm pretty sure isnt alowed. They smashed her back door and paint was spilt all over the house as she was due to decorate. She has 3 young children and it isnt fair on them.”
by John Smith, Glos
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 3:10PM
“Why was my comment removed? Was it due to the fact I raised the issue of inept journalism? As I stated before NO drugs were found at ANY of the properties raided in yesterdays raid. The only thing that should be printed regarding this is an apology from Gloucestershire Constabulary for the inconvenience caused to these INNOCENT people.”
by John Smith, Glos
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 1:18PM
“Nothing was found at any of the properties that were raided but still they are being regarded (according to this newspaper) as drug dealers????? Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? If I fall out with my neighbour I may give the police a tip off and hope their door gets smashed down for absolutely no reason.”