Officers in Bournemouth have made twelve arrests in the Boscombe, Westbourne and Lansdowne areas as part of an intelligence-led operation to remove suspected drug dealers from the town.
Today, Wednesday, 1 September 2010, warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 were executed at eleven different addresses throughout the Bournemouth area.
Twelve men, aged between 16 and 47, and from Bournemouth and London, were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.
Each address was thoroughly searched by specially trained officers and a significant quantity of suspected stolen goods, drugs and cash were found as a result.
Today’s action forms part of Operation Dismantle.
Detective Inspector Michael Mullen, of Bournemouth police, said: "Operation Dismantle is a countywide operation which aims to tackle the supply of Class A drugs and associated crime and disorder.
"Today’s operation was as a result of concerns from the local community, as well as intelligence gathered over several months, and I hope this action shows that Dorset Police is determined to combat alleged serious and organised crime.
"It is, as ever, essential that residents of Boscombe and the surrounding area continue to tell us about the issues in their area - whether this relates to suspected drug offences, or related activity such as burglary, thefts and prostitution.
"Anyone who has encountered violence or coercion linked to today’s arrests, and anyone with any information, is urged to come forward and talk to us in confidence.
"Clearly, today’s operation was the enforcement stage of what is a long-term approach to dealing with the drug trade and associated violence.
"We will continue, with the help of our partners, to address local concerns and priorities."
Dorset Police will continue to work with partners, in alcohol, drug and other support organisations, to ensure support and rehabilitation for those people affected by alleged drug crime - including women made vulnerable from drug abuse and prostitution.
As part of the operation, Dorset Police is working closely with colleagues from the local Drugs Action Team and would encourage any drug users seeking help and advice to contact the Bournemouth Assessment Team on 01202 209463.
Anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
Other Useful Contacts:
The East Cliff, Southbourne and Boscombe West Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 07825 522 758 and ecs&bw.snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
The Littledown and Boscombe East Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 07825 522 745 and l&be.snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
The Southbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 07825 522 687 and southbourne.snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
The Lansdowne Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 07920 537839 and bmthcentral.snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
Support for drug and alcohol users in Bournemouth: 01202 209463
Dorset Working Women’s Project: 07824 537346 / 07973 235438
Dorset Police Lesbian & Gay Liaison Officer (LAGLO): 01202 222222
Bournemouth Borough Council, Town Hall, 01202 451451
Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY
Cleansing/ Waste/ Graffiti/ Recycling: 01202 451199
Youth Services: 01202 456206
Anti-social behaviour: 01202 451199
Housing Landlord service: 01202 451467
Highways and transportation: 01202 451199
Benefits and revenues: 01202 451592
FRANK (drugs advice) www.talktofrank.co.uk: 0800 77 66 00
Citizens Advice Bureau (24 hour): 01202 222303
Consumer Direct: 0845 04 05 06
NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
Social Services Out of hours service: 01202 657279
Bournemouth Care Direct: 01202 454979
Crimestoppers (confidential): 0800 555 111
Confidential anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321
