POLICE BATTLE DRUG DEALER ‘TURF WAR’
AN op to stop ‘turf wars’ among city dealers trying to flood the streets of Nuneaton with drugs is underway.
The sting, code-named ‘Operation Farrell’ has been running for the past seven months with the sole aim of stopping drugs barons from neighbouring cities from sending dealers into the town, taking over the homes of vulnerable people and causing violence.
It was launched in December following a rise in violent crime, including several stabbings.
These are linked to what cops call ‘County Lines’ which is when drug dealers from the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Leicestershire areas, send gangs of young people or vulnerable adults to carry and sell drugs from town to town and across county boundaries.
So far there have been 28 arrests, one closure order of a ‘crack den’ flat in Dillon Court and the seizure of Class A and Class B drugs and firearms.
Having kept the operation under-wraps for so long, top cops have decided to lift the lid on it, with an appeal for people to come forward with any information they may have.
Inspector Dave Williams, Safer Neighbourhood lead for Nuneaton, Bedworth, and North Warwickshire, said: “To date there have been 28 arrests and a closure order at a property in Dillon Court, Nuneaton.
“But this only tells half the story; the main success has been the disruption to the county lines drugs supply and an improved intelligence picture that is helping us to target those responsible.
“We are sending out a clear message; if you’re coming to Nuneaton to deal drugs and take part in other forms of criminal activity, you’re not welcome. We’re looking for you and we will do everything in our power to disrupt your activity and make the town a hostile place for you.
“A lot of what we have achieved has only been possible thanks to information provided by members of the public. As we go public with the operation, I would urge people to continue to provide us with information and play a part in helping to make Nuneaton a safe place to live, work, and visit.”
He went on to explain that information handed over is used to help the Nuneaton and Bedworth SNTS as well as the Offender Management Unit (OMU), who are behind the op, build a bigger picture of what is happening, so that action can be taken and warrants can be obtained.
“We can’t act immediately on every piece of information, but no matter how small that information is it helps us to build up a better picture of the issues we are facing,” Insp Williams said.
“Your information could be the final part of the puzzle that will allow us to make an arrest or take out a warrant.
“I would also like to reassure people that Operation Farrell isn’t going to be a one off. We know that as we eliminate one supply of drugs other dealers will look to move in to fill the gap. We’re in this for the long haul and are committed to making it as difficult as possible to deal drugs in Nuneaton.”
Police also want to encourage drug users to seek help for their addiction, Inspector Williams added: “While much of this operation is focussed tackling the supply of drugs it is important we work to reduce the demand and ensure those who want to break the cycle of drug abuse can get help. There is support available locally and I would encourage anyone with a drug problem to access it.
“If you know someone with a drug problem, please talk to them about the services available.”
Those who would like to report concerns about violent or drug-related organised crime in Rugby please call 101 and quote ‘Operation Guardian.’ Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www. crimestoppers-uk.org
People with a drug addiction can call Compass on 08000 887248, www.compass-uk.org/compass-warwickshire or call the Recovery Partnership on 01788 569582 or visit www.cw-recovery.org.uk.