Three arrests were made as police held a day of action to address concerns over drug dealing in Nottingham city centre.
Members of the public had reported seeing people buying and selling drugs in the Old Market Square area in recent weeks. Neighbourhood officers reviewed CCTV and conducted plain-clothed patrols as part of an intelligence-gathering exercise.
On Monday, uniformed officers and a police dog swooped on Long Row and arrested three people on suspicion of committing drug offences.
The planned operation took place at 2.15 pm and resulted in the following outcomes after suspects were detained and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act:
- A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug. He was later bailed with conditions while further investigation work is carried out.
- A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and possession of a Class B drug. He was further arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. He was later charged with possession of a Class B drug and bailed with conditions in relation to the remaining matters.
- A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class B drug. He was further arrested for assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage after a police officer’s glasses were damaged when he was struck by the suspect. He was later charged with all three offences and granted conditional bail. He is due to appear at Nottingham Youth Court on 27 November.
Sergeant Jono Pothecary, who led the operation, said the City Centre neighbourhood policing team was committed to listening to people’s concerns and arresting offenders. He said:
“We’ve been listening to members of the public who have rightly raised concerns and dissatisfaction that individuals have been involved in antisocial behaviour and other offences.
“People reported seeing large groups congregating in Long Row next to Old Market Square and exchanging packages between them, which appeared to be drugs. We’ve also had reports of people smoking cannabis and using other illegal drugs.
“In response to those concerns, we’ve been monitoring CCTV and identified a group who have been hanging around and causing misery to people going about their daily business.
“Today we’ve acted on those concerns and arrested three suspects who we believe to be concerned in the dealing of controlled substances.
“Hopefully, this action reassures the public that we are listening to them and will continue to take action against anybody who commits offences in Nottingham city centre.”
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