Fourteen arrested as police target serious and organised crime
Fourteen people have been arrested as part of an operation led by West Mercia Police targeting serious and organised crime across Shropshire.
The 12 warrants were carried out yesterday morning following a six month investigation by the force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit into organised crime across the county, Mid-Wales and the West Midlands.
The warrants targeted addresses in Shrewsbury, Powys and the West Midlands area where 10 men and four women, aged in their 20s and 30s, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, money laundering and being involved in an organised crime group.
All 14 remain in police custody as enquiries continue.
During the operation drugs with an estimated street value of £500,000, criminal property estimated to be in the region of £103,000 and £18,000 cash were seized across all 12 addresses.
Detective Inspector Robert Rondel, said: “Throughout yesterday we executed 12 warrants across Shropshire, Mid-Wales and the West Midlands, which led to 14 people who are suspected to be linked to drug dealing in the county, and beyond being arrested.
“This involved multiple teams from the force, as well as officers from West Midlands Police and Dyfed-Powys Police, working together as we seek to tackle those who deal drugs here which have a harmful impact on the communities we protect and serve.
“Drug dealers prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society and their presence in turn causes more crime such as shoplifting, burglary and anti-social behaviour.
“We would like to reassure the local community that although it can look alarming to see officers arrive in numbers and wearing protective clothing, there is no wider risk to the public.”
This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.
