Class A drugs and weapons have been taken off the streets as part of a three day operation to tackle organised crime in Scunthorpe and the surrounding area.

The operation was led by specialist Humberside Police teams, who were working alongside colleagues from the National Crime Agency, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and West Midlands police to target those involved in large scale drug dealing operations in our area.

Superintendent Simon Gawthorpe said: “This operation is the result of a long-term investigation led by Humberside Police into the suspected supply of Class A drugs in northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

“Our teams, working in partnership with our colleagues at the National Crime Agency (NCA) carried out six simultaneous strikes at addresses in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Crowle on Tuesday, July 30.

“In that morning alone we made five arrests and recovered what we believe to be class A drugs, a variety of weapons – including knives, airguns, nunchucks and batons, multiple mobile phones and sim cards, a small cannabis grow and approximately £2,000 in cash.

“Yesterday (Wednesday, July 31) we made four further arrests after targeting addresses in Greetwell, Bottesford, Scunthorpe and Brigg and recovered further phones and other potential evidence.

“A 21-year-old man has been produced from prison to be interviewed in connection with the operation and we also linked in with our colleagues at West Midlands Police to target addresses we believe to be linked to the operation in the Birmingham area. However, so far, no arrests have been made as a result of those enquiries.”

The following have been arrested in connection with the operation and released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

•          Two men, aged 24, 31 were arrested at an address in Berkeley Street, Scunthorpe, on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
•          A 19-year-old man was arrested at an address in Detuyll Street, Scunthorpe, on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
•          A 29-year-old woman and 36-year-old man were arrested at a property in Windsor Road, Crowle.  She is suspected of possession of a Class A Drug, possession of a Class B or C drug and money laundering and he was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug, possession of firearms with intent, possession of a Class A Drug, production of cannabis and money laundering.
•          A 25-year-old man was arrested at an address in Kirton Road, Greetwell, on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
•          A 44-year-old man was arrested at a property in Manor Road, Bottesford, on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
•          A 43-year-old man was arrested in Wrawby Street, Brigg on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Supt Gawthorpe added: “We know the effect that drugs and the associated crime and antisocial behaviour has on our communities and we won’t stand for it.

“That’s why we work tirelessly to find, arrest and charge those we believe to be responsible for bringing drugs into those communities and exploiting vulnerable people in order to line their own pockets.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to rid our communities of gangs who come into our area to try and sell drugs, we also do a lot of work to identify any children or other vulnerable people they are exploiting and offer them a way out.

“We know that these gangs often try to use children who are not known to police in the area, believing they are less likely to be stopped.

“As a result, some groups do exploit children who live in areas away from where they’re operating. Others try and recruit children who are not known to the police.

“This is something we’re aware of and our teams are constantly looking out for. It’s also where you can help.

“If you start seeing children you’ve never seen before hanging around the area or acting suspiciously – particularly if they don’t have a local accent – let us know.

“By telling us what you know about drug-related crime in your area, you can help us build up the evidence we need to continue to target the people behind it and take action against them.

“You might not see the results straight away but rest assured that the information you give us is vital in putting together successful operations that will really make a difference long-term.”

If you have concerns or information about drug-related crime in your area, call the non-emergency 101 line or speak to your local officer.

If you would rather remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.