14 Arrested In Dawn Raids Across Bristol

Fourteen men have been arrested in a series of dawn raids in Bristol.

The men, aged between 15 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply drugs.

Police said that the raids are part of an ongoing drugs investigation in Bristol.

Neighbourhood Inspector Olly Cosgrove said: "Today's activity is all about returning the streets of Bristol to the local communities. It has been about responding to the concerns of local residents, gathering information and intelligence and tackling the drug dealers head-on.

"Members of the local community asked us to act robustly against those involved in drug dealing.

"However today's positive action should send out strong reassurance to local communities and already we have received positive comments from people who have seen us knocking on doors and arresting people on suspicion of drug dealing."

Insp Cosgrove added: "Our communities deserve to live without the fear of crime, yet many have seen and experienced the negative impact of drugs, with anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and other crimes generated by people trying to fund their drug use.

"The positive action taken today follows a complex six-month investigation which has enabled us to build up a picture about drugs supply and possession in the city. And a key part of this planning has been the information and intelligence provided by local communities.

"This community involvement is a key part of the success of today's operation, enabling us to take the drug dealers off the streets and put them before the courts."

During the searches, around 100 wraps of what is believed to be crack cocaine (with a street value of around £1000), was found by a drugs dog contained in a shoe in a lock up cupboard outside a house, where a significant amount of cash was also recovered.

(MH/LM)