64 arrested in biggest drugs operation ever in Northamptonshire

During the past two weeks 80 warrants have been executed at properties in Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire in a bid to tackle those people involved in the supply of drugs.

Of those 64 arrested, 40 have been charged with 134 drug offences.

The majority of the people charged with offences have appeared in court and have been remanded into custody to await trial.

More arrests are taking place this morning (Friday).

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Lyall led a 10-month investigation which resulted in the arrests.

He said: “This is the biggest operation of its kind ever seen in Northamptonshire and one which has so far resulted in 40 people being charged with 134 drug offences.

“The operation was launched at the end of last summer after we had a number of incidents where those involved in drug dealing were using violence against one another, and the risk of harm to innocent members of the public was rising.

“Our work has involved the use of undercover officers to help gather evidence which will now be placed before the court as those people who have been charged stand trial.

“We are committed to tackling those people involved in the supply and distribution of illegal drugs in Northamptonshire, and this kind of operation is one way we can tackle it.”

More than 40 of the arrests were made at addresses in Wellingborough, with others taking place at addresses in Cold Ashby, Hinwick, Higham Ferrers, Bedford, Irthlingborough, Kettering and a number of arrests were made in prisons.

So far, the arrest phase of the operation has seen:

- Seven enforcement days since April 16

- 200 police officers involved in each enforcement day

- 80 warrants executed

- 64 arrests

- 46 people charged with 134 drug offences

- 15 people released on bail pending further enquiries

- Three people released without charge

- £40,000 drugs seized

- £225,000 cash seized

- One imitation gun seized

- ANPR operation in place with support from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit

- Multi-agency support vehicle deployed each day (police, fire and ambulance) – the first time this has supported an enforcement operation

- Support from the Metropolitan Police, Bedfordshire Police, Derbyshire Police and UK Border Agency

- Drugs dogs involved in the search operations