Eighteen arrests as 200 police in Telford drugs raids

Fourteen men and four women were arrested after a huge team of officers executed warrants at 18 addresses across Telford and two in Wolverhampton just before 7.30am.

Fifteen arrests were made in Shropshire and three in Wolverhampton.

Police used battering rams to force their way into the properties. At one home in Redlands Road in Telford, masked police used a chainsaw to cut a huge hole in the front door to gain access.

More than 200 police officers from across the Warwickshire and West Mercia alliance were involved in the operation. Those arrested were being questioned today.

The raids were the second stage of Operation Sift, which is targeting the supply of illegal drugs in the area. Twenty one people were arrested following raids in Telford in September last year.

Speaking about this morning's operation, Detective Superintendent Jason Wells, said: "This operation has been going on for some time and I am very pleased with how today's strike day has gone. We now have a huge amount of work to do relating to those individuals we have in custody, while searches are ongoing at all the addresses we have executed warrants at this morning.

"The main addresses we are searching in Telford are in Wellington, Hadley and Leegomery, while additional addresses are also being searched in Wolverhampton.

"We have received support from specialist agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) as we have planned this operation, while we have also worked with West Midlands Police and liaised with local stakeholders like Telford & Wrekin Council and Wrekin Housing Trust to ensure they are aware of our activity.

"The individuals in custody have been arrested on suspicion of a variety of drugs offences - including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs - but at the present time I am unable to release any further information about these arrests."

Superintendent Nav Malik, Police Commander in Telford, said: "I hope this morning's police activity once demonstrates that organised crime relating to drugs remains a huge priority for us West Mercia Police. I also hope it demonstrates that, if necessary, resources are available to tackle any major issues that are brought to our attention.

"Local officers are heavily involved in this operation and Safer Neighbourhood Teams will now be out and about in the vicinity of addresses we have targeted this morning reassuring local residents and explaining the work we are doing.

"I hope this reassures local people that we will act when we become aware of problems in specific areas and I'd like to remind residents of Telford that if they have any concerns about drugs, or any other criminality in their area, they should call us immediately on 101 or 0300 333 3000.

"Alternatively, if you'd rather leave information without identifying yourself you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Barrie Sheldon, who accompanied officers executing one of the warrants this morning, said: "Tackling the problems caused by illegal drugs remains key part of the Police and Crime Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan and I've been very impressed by the work I've seen going on this morning.

"As a resident of Telford myself it's reassuring to see a problem like this being tackled locally and I'd like to thank everyone involved with this operation for their efforts.

"This scale of this operation clearly demonstrates the quality work that is being done by police officers in West Mercia and this has again reinforced my confidence in the excellent work that officers in this region continue to be involved in."