Eight arrested in dawn drug raids

POLICE arrested eight men during a series of raids in a crackdown on suspected cocaine dealers.

Dozens of officers swooped on 10 addresses in Stafford, Stone and Uttoxeter from 6am yesterday, following months of intelligence gathering.

Wearing protective body gear, they smashed down the suspects' doors before searching the properties, executing warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Quantities of drugs, money and mobile phones were seized, as part of Staffordshire Police's ongoing Operation Nemesis campaign.

Superintendent Adrian Bloor, pictured, said: "Operation Nemesis targets drug dealers and brings them to justice.

"This operation was aimed at disrupting the supply of cocaine into the night-time economies of Stafford and Stone.

"Cocaine can affect the way that people behave and we're aware that there are strong links between alcohol, drug misuse and town centre violence.

"Our aim, and that of our partners, is to keep our town centres safe and we're targeting the minority of people that drink too much, abuse drugs and can then spoil the atmosphere for others. Working with the borough council, licensees and drug and alcohol support groups, we want to ensure that those enjoying a night out can do so without incident.

"Stafford borough is a safe and enjoyable place and we aim to ensure it stays that way."

In Stafford, five men aged 24, 27, 33, 38 and 42 were arrested for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

And in Stone, three men aged 19, 22 and 31 were arrested for possession of controlled drugs.

All eight men were taken into custody for questioning.

In Stone, seven officers searched a property in Coppice Gardens. Detective Inspector Matt Derrick, who oversaw the raid, said: "We have found a small quantity of cannabis in one of the bedrooms at the property.

"We also found evidence of drug paraphernalia and about £1,500 in £10 and £20 notes.

"Our message to drug dealers is that they need to watch their backs because we are coming for them."

All of the men arrested were yesterday bailed, pending further inquiries, until March.

Information about the raids has been distributed to homes in and around the targeted addresses, telling people about the arrests and appealing for information about drug use in their neighbourhoods.

As part of the crackdown, officers, accompanied by a drug detection dog, were out in the pubs and clubs of Stafford and Stone last night testing for evidence of drug misuse.

Operation Nemesis was launched two years ago to tackle drug dealers in North Staffordshire.

Anyone with information about drug dealing or misuse is urged to call Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.