Twelve arrested during major drugs operation in Shropshire
Twelve people were arrested in Shropshire today during a major drugs operation involving more than 100 police officers.
Operation Bubble was carried out by West Mercia Police targeting people suspected of producing and supplying the recreational drug GHB, which has been linked to several recent deaths in the county.
Search warrants were carried out at seven homes in Oswestry and one at Westbury, near Shrewsbury. Nine men and three women were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs or possession with intent to supply.
They were led from the homes in handcuffs and taken into custody at Shrewsbury police station for questioning. Various items were also seized by police from some of the addresses, including substances believed to be illegal drugs or components used in drug making.
Officers carried out a co-ordinated search at the eight premises shortly after 9am today. In several cases they made a forced entry, including the use of a chain saw to remove one door. Sniffer dogs were also used during the searches.
They travelled in convoy to the strike targets in Oswestry following a detailed briefing at a secret secluded location.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, Shropshire’s crime manager, who led the successful operation, said it had gone according to plan. “It was high profile and impactive. Our aim was to target those we suspect of being involved in the manufacture or supply of GHB.
“We have sent out a clear message today to people using GHB, that we will come back, arrest them and put them before the courts”.
It was the latest in a series of enforcements carried out by West Mercia Police in Shropshire where before today’s operation, around 30 people have been arrested for possession of the illegal Class C controlled drug during the past 12 months.
Rising health problems and other associated issues resulting from people using GHB, especially in the Oswestry area, have led to a multi-agency campaign in a concerted bid to combat the trend.
While police continue to target offenders, they have joined forced with key partners including Shropshire’s Director of Public Health, Shropshire Drug and Alcohol Team (DAAT) and Shropshire Council.
Amid growing concern over increased usage of GHB and a similar drug called GBL, they are anxious to emphasize the extreme dangers involved. In recent months, there have been two suspected deaths in Shropshire from taking the drug with inquests yet to be held. More than a dozen users have also ended up seriously ill in hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of Shropshire CID, said today: “GHB is an extremely dangerous substance with sedative and anaesthetic effects. We have become increasingly worried about the damage this drug is causing not only to users, but to local communities which have to suffer the anti-social behaviour of those under its influence.
“We urge anyone who is tempted, to think again. The drug is made from industrial chemicals which can have serious damaging effects on users and in extreme cases has proved fatal.
“There have been at least two suspected deaths in Shropshire linked to the use of GHB. There have also been a number of life-threatening incidents with people being admitted to hospital in a critical condition, but fortunately eventually recovering.
“Some of the side effects are quite horrendous – unconsciousness, convulsions, seizures and vomiting.”
He said GHB had become the drug of choice for some users in Shropshire, particularly in the Oswestry area where historically there has been a significant problem for some years.
“Our partner agencies say they have seen an increase in the number of GHB users seeking help. The drug is relatively cheap and often more readily available than hard drugs such as heroin.
“It’s sold in liquid form and many of the health problems arise because it is simply impossible to know the exact concentration. Even a small overdose can render you unconscious.
“We are concerned that individuals using GHB may not fully understand the health risk. If people have any concerns about their own use of the drug or that of a relative or friend, please contact the community substance-misuse team on 01743-258800.”
DCI Edwards, who led today’s police operation, said the warrants had been granted by magistrates under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The main objectives were to disrupt the production and supply of GHB in the Oswestry area, to target those producing the drug in illicit kitchen “laboratories” and to protect the public from illegal drugs.
He said the police in Shropshire were also working closely with other organisations to prevent GBL – the main component used in making GHB – being imported from overseas.
DCI Edwards added: “Today’s intervention operation is very much part of an ongoing strategy by the police working with our partner agencies. Together, we will maintain enforcement and education initiatives and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.”
