£100k cash found in ‘drugs den’ raid
THE discovery of drugs, weapons and £100,000 in cash at a Nottingham property has left people living nearby feeling scared for their safety.
The property on Bulwell Lane, Old Basford, was searched in an operation involving a drone and police dog at around 8.30am on Tuesday after police received a tip-off from the local community. Police say five people have been arrested. Officers used a police drone to find a man who is believed to have fled while the search was being carried out. He was caught by a police dog.
A mobile phone and £2,000 in cash was found after the pursuit.
The man needed hospital treatment for a wound to his arm, having been bitten.
Police found multiple locked rooms after entering the property, with safes inside the rooms containing around £100,000 in cash along with jewellery and two Tasers.
They also uncovered a large bundle of cannabis, a large bag of mamba and two suspected blocks of cocaine, along with around £2,000 in cash.
A BB gun and an imitation machete were also seized from the property.
A concerned resident and mum on Bulwell Lane said: “I am in shock.
“I am concerned for myself and my family’s safety now.
“It is absolutely terrifying to know that this could happen on your street.
“I will never let my children play outside from now on.
“The fact that weapons have been found as well as drugs terrifies me.
“There is also a school nearby so this is very concerning.”
Three men and a woman were arrested at the property for drugs, weapons and money laundering offences.
Another man was arrested near the address and was taken into custody on suspicion of possession criminal property and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Midday supervisor Charlotte Watts, 40, also a resident in the area, added: “It is everywhere you go nowadays.
“I am shocked that they found that much in one property.
“It is definitely concerning.
“It is quiet around here but at the same time it does not surprise me.”
Another shocked resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “I do not like to think that something like could happen right on my doorstep.
“I am definitely scared – I do not feel safe anymore.
RESIDENTS ‘TERRIFIED’ AFTER COPS SWOOP ON PROPERTY
“It would make me so terrified to walk in the street again especially when it gets dark.
“It is not the nicest area but it is still shocking.”
Nottinghamshire Police’s criminal investigation department has said that it is now carrying out ‘substantive enquiries.’
Neighbourhood Inspector Gordon Fenwick said: “We have unearthed what we believe to be a major drugs den operating in the Old Basford area.
“As a result we have now taken a large quantity of class A and B drugs, which have an estimated street value of around £250,000 out of circulation along with a substantial amount of cash.
“This was the result of several specialist teams working collaboratively and every officer involved showcased tenacity and professionalism in bringing about this outcome.
“We received information in order to carry out this warrant and it shows how seriously we take any concerns received from members of the public. We will always act on intelligence and are actively cracking down on drug dealing in our neighbourhoods.”