Four men have been arrested following an ongoing effort to disrupt drug dealing in Swindon.
Yesterday saw a joint operation undertaken by officers from Operation Fortitude and the local Community Policing Teams in Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett in order to tackle a local drugs line.
As a part of this operation, a number of warrants were conducted throughout the Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett areas.
In total, three men from Swindon and one man from London were arrested.
Matteo Crossman, 18, of Mazurek Way, Haydon End, Swindon, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession of criminal property, possession of cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon and has been remanded to prison 14 January
Jacob Doyle, 22, Loughborough Park, Lambeth, London, has been charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and possession of criminal property and has been bailed 14 January
A 19-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property, and a 17-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, both from Swindon, have been released with conditions pending further enquiries.
A partial closure order has also been authorised for an address in Moredon to tackle criminal activity in the area.
The order was made at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (17/12) for the house in Bourne Road and will last for three months.
PC Nick Finning, of the Fortitude Team, said: “We have responded to community concerns in relation to drug dealing in the Broadgreen area of Swindon.
“This has been an ongoing issue and I am pleased that we have been able to take steps to ensure that those concerns are addressed.
“We will not tolerate drug dealers taking advantage of those who are vulnerable in our communities and will ensure we do everything in our power to deal with them robustly.”
Sgt James Rodrigues, of the Fortitude Team, said: “It is important to recognise that drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on communities and the families within them.
“If left unchecked, criminality in the local area will rise and the community will continue to suffer as a consequence through that increase of associated criminality.
“We will continue to target those responsible for dealing drugs on the streets of Swindon and Wiltshire and ensure that they are held responsible for their actions.”
Local Lines activity falls under Project Optimise – Wiltshire Police’s approach to serious and organised crime.
The community plays a vital role in helping us tackle serious and organised crime. If you suspect drug dealing or believe someone is being exploited, call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
