Eight arrests in major blitz by drugs police
Eight people have been arrested and two men have been charged after a major police drugs swoop in Bath.
The raid was carried out in the Snow Hill area as part of Operation Scorpion - an initiative between Avon and Somerset Police and other law enforcement agencies in the South West to disrupt and dismantle drug supply networks.
Officers arrested eight people during the operation on Tuesday, November 15, including two teenagers, and seized numerous weapons, cash and drugs.
Aaron Gardiner, 20, of Harlech Close, Keynsham, has been charged with three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine.
He was also charged with one count of possession of criminal property.
Gardiner pleaded guilty to all four counts during a hearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 17, and he was remanded in custody until sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, December 15.
A second person, a 22-year-old man, also appeared at court charged with eight offences including three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine, one count of possession of an offensive weapon and two counts relating to modern slavery offences.
He didn’t enter a plea and was remanded in custody to next appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, December 16.
Two other men, a woman and two teenage boys, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
The adults were released under investigation, while the teenagers were released on bail.
The eighth person, a man, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking a child.
The operation was jointly run by the force’s Operation Remedy County Lines team, the Bath Neighbourhood Policing Team and Operation Scorpion.
DI Angela Burtonwood said: “This is part of a county line investigation led by the dedicated team and in partnership with our neighbourhood and Op Scorpion partners.
“Warrants were obtained following information received from members of the public, which are vital in operations like this.
“County lines exploit both young and vulnerable people in the community. The seizures made during these warrants have a significant impact and help keep the public safe.
“As part of our ongoing investigation, officers continue to ensure all safeguarding measures are taken.”
The neighbourhood policing team is conducting reassurance patrols in the area and the public are encouraged to speak to officers.