Officers arrested a teenager in the city centre following police intelligence that he was supplying Class A drugs to rough sleepers.
Regular patrols are taking place across the city centre to target those who are bringing drugs such as mamba, heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis into Nottingham.
Drugs are stringently linked to other acquisitive crime such as weapon carrying, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
On Thursday 25 June, just after 10am, police received information that a boy was selling Class A drugs to those rough sleeping in the city centre, particularly around Clumber Street.
Officers on the ground, working with the police control room and the CCTV operators, located a boy matching the description riding a black e-scooter.
Due to the excellent description, he was located on CCTV cameras heading towards the direction of the train station.
On seeing officers, the boy attempted to flee the scene but was quickly detained. A search of the boy found evidence of supplying Class A drugs.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and for driving a motor vehicle without insurance or a valid driving licence.
Officers seized a quantity of cash, his e-scooter, and his balaclava. None of these items will be returned to him.
Officers will also be working with his parents and guardians.
This is all part of Operation Reclaim, a partnership approach to targeting those causing the most harm to the city centre and reducing criminality.
City Commander, Superintendent Chris Pearson said:
“We have warned you – come into the city centre with drugs and we will catch you. Here lies the proof. The public don’t want you in the city and nor do we.
“You will be caught, we will seize everything you have on you including your e-scooter, your cash and your balaclava.
“And if you are a juvenile, we will be paying your parents and guardians a visit.
“I also want to reassure the community that we are incredibly serious about finding, arresting, charging, and putting before the courts those responsible for running these drug operations which are destroying our local communities.
“I have a strong message for those individuals responsible for exploiting our youngsters to carry out their dangerous operations on their behalf – ‘Your time is up. We are coming for you.”
