Drug users shouted “go now” at a dealer as a plain-clothes officer approached them in Nottingham city centre.
The knife crime officer was taking part in the latest Operation Reclaim patrols when he spotted a young person approaching two drug users sitting outside St Peter’s Church.
After observing the person hold out an item covered in cling film, the officer suspected a drugs deal was taking place and so approached the group.
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As the officer advanced, the drug users recognised him and shouted at the young person, “Go, go – go now!”
The suspected dealer was detained at the scene for a search under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Once the suspect had been detained, the covert officer was joined by uniformed officers, and the suspect admitted having Class A drugs in his pockets, hands and underwear.
The officers seized the items – suspected to be crack cocaine and heroin – and arrested the 18-year-old on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
The teenager was questioned in custody and released on conditional bail while further investigation work is carried out.
This was one of 14 arrests made during the patrols on Wednesday last week (14 October) – the latest in a series of days of action to clamp down on crime in the city centre.
Other arrests included:
– A 50-year-old man arrested for breaching court bail conditions
– A 49-year-old man for breaching bail conditions
– A 43-year-old man wanted for theft
– A 34-year-old man wanted on recall to prison
– A 43-year-old man for possession of an offensive weapon
– A 42-year-old man wanted for theft
– A 38-year-old man wanted for common assault / recall to prison
– A 40-year-old man for failing to appear in court and breaching bail conditions
– A 57-year-old man wanted for common assault / recall to prison
– A 52-year-old man for failing to appear in court and possession of a knife in a public place
– A 29-year-old man wanted for criminal damage
– A 53-year-old man wanted for theft
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies, who oversees neighbourhood policing in the city centre, said:
“This latest day of action highlights our continued commitment to driving criminals out of the city centre.
“The results speak for themselves, with 14 arrests made in a single day. Through proactive patrols, targeted enforcement and close partnership working, we are disrupting criminal activity and making the city centre a safer place for everyone.
“Those who come into the city intending to commit crime should be under no illusion. We will continue to identify, target and relentlessly pursue those responsible.
“Operation Reclaim is a long-term commitment to tackling offending and improving public safety, and since its launch in April, it has led to more than 1,000 arrests.
“I hope this reassures the public and businesses that we are doing everything we can to make Nottingham city centre a safer place to live, work and visit.”
