Police make raids on suspected drug dealers

Apr 1 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

“I will go back to them and tell them about this raid, which shows that the police are fighting this menace in our communities.”

Yesterday’s action was the latest under the “Operation Nimrod” banner – a rolling programme designed as an unrelenting series of actions to wipe out street-level drug dealing throughout County Durham.

Police also left “calling cards” at targeted houses with large stickers being posted on windows informing local residents exactly what the police operation was about.

Stanley Neighbourhood Inspector Amanda Cathrine said: “The people arrested today are known dealers supplying cocaine, heroin and other drugs. Their removal from the streets is the consequence of months of careful evidence gathering. We have consulted with our partner agencies and local communities who raised this as an issue.”

Inspector Cathrine said similar raids are planned and added: “Our message to drug dealers is simple. Drug dealing is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the force area. We know who you are and if you have escaped arrest today you can expect a knock on your door soon.”

Police community support officers were out and about in the areas where the raids took place telling local residents just what had gone on and distributing leaflets outlining the reasons for the operation and asking people to contact police not only about drug dealing but also all other criminal activity.

Insp Cathrine said: “People can be reassured that we will act on all information given to us. It might seem small and insignificant but it could be the final piece in a jigsaw that allows us to act.”

People with information can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They can also speak direct to their neighbourhood officers or raise issues at regular local meetings with beat officers.