Officers target drug dealers in Dover in week-long operation

Seven arrests have been made in a week-long operation which also saw Class A drugs worth thousands of pounds and a number of weapons seized by officers in Dover.

Between 19 and 23 March officers took to the streets of Dover to target those involved in the supply of Class A drugs to the area, from established local drug networks, to the more transient county lines which travel into the area to deal.

Under Operation Raptor, officers carried out warrants around the area under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and searched 10 properties.

Class A drugs worth between £2,500 and £5,500 were recovered by officers, as well as about £2,000 in cash which was believed to be linked to criminal activity.

Two rifles, a revolver, ammunition and one railway fog signal explosive were all also found and confiscated by patrols.

As well as disrupting offenders, officers carried out work to help safeguard young people who may be at risk of being used by organised groups to sell drugs on the streets.

Operation Raptor is an ongoing initiative designed to tackle, disrupt and prevent violent crime and the possession of offensive weapons, as well as the supply of class A drugs.

Detective Sergeant Simon Clarke said: "These results were gained during one week and would have no doubt caused a lot of disruption to criminals, but it does not mean our work is over. The pursuit of county lines drugs networks is an ongoing priority and Kent Police will continue to target those individuals and networks intent on supplying drugs to the streets of Kent and who exploit children and vulnerable adults to do so.

"We appeal for people to let us know if they think any suspicious behaviour is taking place in their community by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency."

Alternatively, people who wish to remain anonymous can call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The following arrests were made:
 

• A 15-year-old boy from Dover was arrested on 19 March on suspicion of two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He was released pending further investigation.
• An 18-year-old man from Tipton (West Midlands) was arrested on 19 March on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He was released pending further investigation.
• A 17-year-old boy from Ilford (Essex) was arrested on 19 March on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He was released pending further investigation.
• A 44-year-old man from Deal was arrested on 21 March on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, as well possession of a firearm and explosives. He was released pending further investigation.
• A 50-year-old man from Dover was arrested on 22 March on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He was released pending further investigation.
• A 42-year-old man from Dover was arrested on 22 March on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He was released pending further investigation.
• A 31-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on 23 March on suspicion of possessing cannabis. He was fined £90.