Police take action to end residents drugs misery
On the morning of Thursday 13 June 2024, officers executed a warrant on two flats in Devonport, Plymouth, responding to reports of noise, violence and antisocial behaviour in the block.
Devon & Cornwall Police take us through the events.
The briefing with officers from Devonport police station and Charles Cross police station started with intelligence received from members of the public. Local knowledge from officers who were familiar with the location was discussed. The floor plan of the flat and expected condition of the rooms was discussed, as well as the expected presence of a dog - fortunately a small one!
Speaking to the team at the briefing, Sector Inspector Paul Laity emphasised the importance of the information received from the residents of the flats, saying that as much as anything, the warrant was about giving the residents some respite from the behaviour they have endured.
Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell accompanied Inspector Laity to the warrant. Officers were already in place at the side of the property to make sure that nothing was thrown from the windows of the flat, and at the rear of the flat in case anyone tried to flee.
Entry was made quickly using electric saws and battering rams colloquially referred to as “Big Red Keys”. Occupants were located quickly and the properties were declared safe. Officers from the Force Support Group (FSG) removed their protective gear and began a meticulous search of the properties.
On this occasion, no significant quantities of drugs were found and no arrests made, although paraphernalia associated with drug use was found.
Inspector Laity said: “We will be working in partnership with colleagues from the Local Authority and the housing association to apply for a closure order on the premises under ASB legislation”.
As the Chief Constable and Inspector Laity left the flats, residents came out to talk to them, and there was praise for the officers and smiles that something had been done about the disruption in their lives.
Inspector Laity continued: “News of our presence today will spread out like ripples and we will see a reduction in dealing and antisocial behaviour for some time. These warrants see a disruption effect longer and larger than on the day and at the addresses they are carried out at.”
Chief Constable Colwell added: “With a combination of local disruption like today, working together with other forces and the Regional Organised Crime Unit, Devon & Cornwall Police remains completely committed to reducing the misery that the misuse of drugs brings to our communities and to bringing to justice those who would profit from the sale of illegal drugs at the expense of the safety and peace of mind of law abiding people.”
Both the Chief Constable and the local Inspector were clear that this activity relies heavily on the information the public are giving.
Inspector Laity said: “Please keep talking to the police and submitting the intelligence – no matter how small the piece of information seems, your information is helping us disrupt drug activity and antisocial behaviour."
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: “People tell me they are sick of drug dealing in their communities and have had enough with the effect it has on crime and disorder, that’s why I worked with four other South West commissioners and our respective forces to launch Operation Scorpion two years ago.
“We want people to know that we are by their side, have listened and will be relentless in our focus on illegal drugs as we strive to build safer communities in which people can succeed and prosper.”
If you have information about drug dealing or other activity where you live, please report it to Devon & Cornwall Police online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/intelligence or by calling 101. The information and identity of anyone reporting intelligence to Devon & Cornwall Police is protected, but if you aren't comfortable talking directly to police, you can report anything anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org. You can also report through the StreetSafe app for iPhone or Android https://www.police.uk/streetsafe
