A pursuit of a suspected drug dealer led police to a rented property being used as a drugs den.
The knife crime team was on patrol in St Ann’s, Nottingham, on Tuesday (15 April) when they observed a number of suspected drug users loitering in an alleyway off Lamartine Street.
Officers spotted a youth on an e-bike they suspected was dealing Class A drugs and approached him.
He made off at pace on the bike but was tracked by officers who caught up with him in an alleyway off Leighton Street.
A bundle of wraps of suspected heroin and cocaine were found during searches and the suspect was detained.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and using a motor vehicle without a licence or insurance.
The suspect was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place following an earlier incident on 28 March when a machete was recovered from an alleyway off Northampton Street.
Further inquiries then led officers to an address in Sneinton where they immediately found further evidence of criminality.
Two further suspects were arrested inside the property and there was evidence it was being used to prepare Class A and Class B drugs for sale.
Officers also seized two knives, weighing scales, multiple mobile phones and cash following searches.
Two men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
Sergeant Matt Daley, of the knife crime team, said:
“Our patrols in the city allow us to observe drug crime in communities and take positive action.
“In this example, officers deserve credit for their determination in tracking the initial suspect who was riding a high-powered bike at speed.
“The officers’ tenacity directly led our team to an address we believe was being used to prepare drugs.
“We know tackling drug dealing is a neighbourhood policing priority in this area because of the impact it has on residents.
“This sort of criminality is often accompanied by the use of weapons so it was also good news to be able to seize two knives and take them out of harm’s way.
“Our investigation into the incident is ongoing and anyone with information should get in touch without delay.”
If you can assist call 101, quoting incident number 25000217543, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
