William C Lopez 
A series of drugs raids across a Worcestershire town have led to one arrest and the recovery of phones and thousands in cash. The raids have taken place across Redditch on Friday (April 26) after community tip-offs about drug dealing in the area.
Officers from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team executed search warrants at properties in Archer Road and Other Road close to the town centre and Beoley Road East a little further out of the town on Friday morning.
A man aged 21 has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering at an address in Other Road where £10,000 was seized. While mobile phones found at all three addresses are set to be analysed by West Mercia Police’s Digital Media Investigations (DMI) team.
Task Force, Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT), the force’s Local Policing Priority Team (LPPT) and the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) all helped the neighbourhood team carry out the raids to stop drugs supply in the town.
Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Redditch, Richard Field, said: “This morning we executed three warrants in Redditch suspected to be linked to drug dealing in the town. This involved multiple teams from the force working together as we seek to tackle those who deal drugs here which have a harmful impact on the communities we protect and serve.
“Drug dealers prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society and their presence in turn causes more crime such as shoplifting, burglary and anti-social behaviour. Our actions were in response to residents’ concerns and police intelligence work. We will always act upon information given to us as we continue ongoing efforts to drive criminality away from the town.”
West Mercia Police urged the community to come forward in the fight against drug dealing. A police spokesperson said: “The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity – the easiest way to do this is on our website.
“Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference. You can do so here at report a crime.
“If you have information about drugs or drugs supply and don’t want to speak to police, you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.” The spokesperson added: “This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.”
