Seven people have been arrested and a significant quantity of suspected Class A drugs has been seized after police carried out raids on five addresses in Shrewsbury.
Five addresses in Harlescott Grange were swooped on in early morning raids yesterday, Wednesday, as around 30 police officers, including two dog handlers, acted on information received as part of Operation Maroon.
Police said the tip-offs had come from members of the public concerned about suspected drug dealing, and the five properties – two in York Road, two in Dutton Green and one in Rutland – were targeted at around 7.20am.
A considerable amount of what is believed to be Class A drugs and cannabis were recovered from an address in York Road.
A man in his 30s and a woman in her 40s were detained on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.From the same address a teenage girl was also arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis.
A man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s were arrested at a neighbouring address on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs as a significant amount of suspected Class A drugs were recovered.
In Dutton Green, a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of possession and cultivation of cannabis and a small amount of suspected cannabis as well as a plant were found.
And at a nearby address, a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and a small amount recovered.
Officers and members of the Special Constabulary, who were joined by a tenancy services officer from Severnside Housing, also raided an address in Rutland but nothing was found.
Detective constable Chris Thomas, drug liaison officer for Shropshire, said: “Acting on information from the community, we successfully applied for five warrants from the magistrates court and carried them out this morning. A significant amount of suspected drugs, including Class A, have been taken out of circulation as a result and seven arrests made.
“Operation Maroon is ongoing and we will continue targeting those who blight the lives of the community through their suspected involvement in illegal drug supply.”
DC Thomas reinforced the police plea for people to get in touch if they had any information about suspected drug dealing or use in their area.
“We will always act on information received and by building up the intelligence picture we get from the community, we will apply for warrants and take action.
“If anyone has information, they can pass it on to the police directly on 0300 333 3000 or, if you are worried about being identified, via the independent and anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.”
All seven people were taken into custody at Shrewsbury Police Station yesterday and were being interviewed throughout the day.
By David Seadon
