A new crackdown has today (Thursday 14 July, 2016) been launched on drug dealers in the city - after communities highlighted issues over the supply and use of drugs.

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Operation Eliminate is a long term approach to remove a significant quantity of harmful drugs from the streets.

Superintendent Keith Fraser, who leads the operation, said: "Not only do drugs cause anti social behaviour in your neighbourhood but they also lead to people committing crimes to fund their addiction. Drug dealers prey on vulnerable people that use drugs. By removing these dealers from the streets, we hope that crime in your area will come down even more and you will feel safer when out and about.

"Today is the start of a long term approach to combat the drugs problem impacting communities across Wolverhampton. We have worked closely with local partner agencies to respond to community concerns. Safeguarding the community is of paramount importance and we aim to offer long term support to those who are vulnerable."

He continued: "In the early hours of this morning, we executed 8 warrants across the Whitmore Reans area. Properties were located in Manby Close, Park Down East and 6 properties on Chester Street."

Four men - aged 24, 21, 19 and 71 - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. A 20 year old man was arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs and a woman, aged 49, was also arrested for possession of class A drugs. As a result of searches of the properties following the arrests, a knife was seized.

Operation Eliminate is a long term initiative launched in partnership with a number of agencies, including the City of Wolverhampton Council. Wolverhampton Police has also been working closely with the council's Public Health to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the local community.

Director of Public Health Ros Jervis said: "We welcome today's enforcement activity by West Midlands Police.

"We will work closely with our police colleagues and wider partners from the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership to tackle the drug dealers who blight our local communities and support those vulnerable people who are under their corrosive influence.  We want to make our communities safer and better places to live by tackling the root causes of crime and anti social behaviour.

"I would urge anyone who wants support and advice to help tackle their drug addition to contact the Wolverhampton drug and alcohol misuse service Recovery Near You, which provides support for both adults and young people."

Recovery Near You is Wolverhampton's free and confidential substance misuse service. Please call the 24 hour support line on 0300 200 2400 for adults or 0300 123 3360 for young people. Alternatively, email talktous@recoverynearyou.org.uk or visit Type=links;Linkid=3084;Title=Recovery near you;Target=_blank;.

If you are concerned about drug crime in your neighbourhood, please contact a member of your local policing team on 101.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to speak with police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers will not record your details or share your name or address with the police.

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  • released: Thursday 14 July, 2016