Police seize drugs worth £200k in big crackdown

COVENTRY’S specialised crime unit has seized £200,000 worth of drugs in the last three months, alongside making 25 arrests and seizing homemade weapons.

In total, seven County Lines drug networks have been shut down in the city.

Between April and June, the team recovered drugs at a value of around £200,000 and £55,000 in cash.

The drugs seized were mostly Class A heroin and crack cocaine.

Working alongside police intelligence specialists, the team built-up a detailed picture of the gangs in the city and planned strikes on those linked to violent, gun and drug crime.

Officers executed 18 warrants at addresses linked to organised crime and 25 people were arrested for offences including drugs supply, kidnap and extortion.

Weapons including two homemade ‘slam guns,’ a shotgun, imitation firearms, combat knives and machetes have also been seized.

Inspector Steve Malone runs the unit. He said: “We’ve also seized 22 vehicles and carried out 69 stop searches during that three-month period.

“We’re really getting under the skin of people linked to gangs and disrupting their activity.

“The county lines drug supply chains have been operating into and out of Coventry into other force areas so we’ve been working closely with the Regional Organised Crime Unit, British Transport Police and colleagues in neighbouring police areas.

“The investment of additional staff by police leaders into the Gangs Unit has had a remarkable impact on criminals spreading misery in our city and fuelling the violence that causes fear in our communities, particularly that which affects our young people.”

And Insp Malone’s officers have even seized a dinner set estimated to be valued at around £3,000.

He explained: “That might seem like an odd thing for police to seize - but during warrants we’re also looking for cash or assets that can be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

“We’ve also seized thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing and electronics like phones and tablet computers. And if suspects can’t prove they’ve acquired them legitimately then we’ll look to permanently seize the goods. Many of our successes come thanks to information provided by the public. If you suspect anyone is linked to drugs or gangs then please let us know so we can take action to make our communities safer.”