The arrests come after a huge team of officers executed Section eight Warrants at 18 addresses across Telford and two in Wolverhampton at just before 7.30am this morning.
More than 200 police officers from West Mercia and Warwickshire Police are involved in this operation today and the individuals who are now in custody – thirteen men and three women – will now be questioned by investigating officers.
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.”
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