Police carried out drugs raids in Berrow and Burnham-On-Sea yesterday (Thursday) during a day of action across West Somerset when over 30 people were arrested.
Three people were held in Berrow following a raid on a home in the centre of the village, as pictured here.
More than 20 trays of cannabis plants were recovered by officers, along with cultivation equipment, after a strong smell of the drugs was reported to police.
Another raid took place on The Esplanade in Burnham where drugs were found and, in other local incidents, several men were cautioned for possession of cannabis.
More than 100 officers were involved in the special day of action across the district, which included activities in Burnham, Minehead, Taunton and Bridgwater.
The operation targeted drug crime and suspects who were wanted and outstanding for a range of offences.
DS Martyn Cannon, who led the operation, said: “The day was about targeting offenders suspected of being involved in drug crime, theft, burglary and those wanted for other offences including non-payment of fines.”
“All of this criminality has a cost to our communities whether it be the loss of property through theft, the misery brought by drug dealing and its associated anti-social behaviour or other offences which have an negative impact on our neighbourhoods such as criminal damage. It has been a very positive day.”
Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley added: “These dedicated days of action are extremely beneficial. They are highly successful providing immediate, visible and impactive reassurance for our communities. They give us an opportunity to target specific issues, bring the district together in one large operation and send a strong message to our communities – we care about everyone’s safety, we will not tolerate those who are committing crime and will continue to bring offenders to justice.”
“We also hope they encourage people to come forward and let us know about crime taking place in their area. We will listen and we will take action – as today’s activities prove.”
“You can do this by contacting us on the 101 number, through our website or come in to a police station or just stop us on the street. Alternatively, you can anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Pictured: Top, Sgt Ian Kennett from Burnham Police at the raid in Berrow. Centre – several police vehicles parked in the area near Thursday’s raid. Above – some of the trays of cannbais plants found at the Berrow property
