One person was arrested and nine bags of drugs were seized during an operation to tackle drugs and associated violence – as well ensuring new Tier 3 restrictions are adhered to.
Officers stopped 31 people, with some being searched, during a joint Operation Guardian and Operation Bion patrol in Nottingham city centre on Saturday evening (31 October).
They recovered two bags of cocaine and seven bags of cannabis.
It was the first Operation Guardian since the introduction of the tier 3 restrictions in the city centre, meaning licensed premises are only allowed to serve alcohol with a substantial meal.
As well as the arrests the assembled staff were used to clear St James’ Street in order to prevent any repeat of the scenes of disorder caused by students there earlier in the week.
A number of officers patrolled the streets of the city, aided by a passive drugs dog, and carried out stop and search activity, as well as engaging with people enjoying eating out.
The Bion team engaged with a number of licensed premises to ensure that the tier 3 restrictions on serving alcohol with substantial meal were complied with.
PC Dan Hodkinson, of the British Transport Police, joined the operation as part of a move to improve joint working practices between both forces.
Sergeant Graham Whitt, who led the operation, said: “We were pleased to have another successful operation in the city in light of the new tier 3 restrictions.
“The restrictions obviously had an impact on the city centre and we were pleased to see the majority of people complying with the new legislation.
“In order to prevent a repeat of the incident where large groups were congregating in the street, Op Guardian staff were detailed to engage with licenced premises and the night time economy community to ensure compliance and a safe enjoyment of the restricted facilities available.
“Operation Guardian is highly successful in tackling drugs and reducing violence which is often associated with drug use and dealing in the night time economy and I am pleased that we had a successful return.
“Incidents of violence greatly reduce when it takes place. This not only makes for a safer evening out but also reassures the public that Nottinghamshire Police takes proactive action to prevent crime from happening in the first place.
“It is a great way for our officers to engage with the public on a night out and I would encourage anyone who sees something suspicious in town to speak to an officer or call 101, in an emergency, always dial 999.”
