Three held in drugs swoop
Detectives have arrested three men and seized heroin, cash and a gun following a series of anti-drugs raids across the Telford area. Detectives have arrested three men and seized heroin, cash and a gun following a series of anti-drugs raids across the Telford area. Detectives today said the town's drugs unit had searched addresses in Lilleshall and south Telford on Monday. About 20 officers swooped on commercial premises and a home as part of the force's Operation Rhythm to fight drug dealing. The firearm that was seized is believed to be an imitation. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Detectives have arrested three men and seized heroin, cash and a gun following a series of anti-drugs raids across the Telford area.Detectives today said the town's drugs unit had searched addresses in Lilleshall and south Telford on Monday. About 20 officers swooped on commercial premises and a home as part of the force's Operation Rhythm to fight drug dealing.
The firearm that was seized is believed to be an imitation.
Detective Inspector John Elcock, of Telford CID, said it had been a major success for the drugs unit and congratulated the officers involved.
"A covert drug operation carried out over a period of time resulted in the arrests of three people on Monday," he said.
"Searches were carried out at a number of premises, including commercial premises, in the Telford area.
"Class A drugs were recovered together with a quantity of cash and a firearm."
Mr Elcock added: "It is a fantastic result for the Telford drugs unit under Detective Sergeant Ian Farmer.
"I want to compliment them on a job well done."
Mr Elcock said the drug unit was continuing its inquiries following the arre- sts, at a location between Telford and Lilleshall.
He added: "The firearm is believed to be an imitation."
Mr Elcock paid tribute to the efforts of Mr Farmer's unit, part of Telford police specialist operations team, who are working to disrupt the supply of drugs, particularly those rated class A.
Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said the operation followed a covert investigation that had gone on for some time.
He said the drugs unit operations were aimed at "denting" the supply of drugs and Monday's events had been a significant achievement.
Detectives do not want to reveal exact details about their surveillance activities for operational reasons.
Anyone with information in relation to the supply of drugs can contact Telford police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
l A man was due to appear at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court today charged with firearms offences and supply of a class A drug. Two other men arrested on Monday remain on police bail.