Police disrupt organised crime groups as part of roads operation in Plymouth
A push to make roads safer in Plymouth has led to multiple arrests, drug seizures and cautions.
An operation on Wednesday 12 February, involved police officers setting up vehicle stop-check points in the Stonehouse area. There were two aims of the operation; to disrupt people linked with organised crime and to target individuals committing driving offences.
As a result of the activity, two men aged 18 and 39 were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs and a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Further activity included the arrest of a 46-year-old man for suspected supply of Class B drug cannabis, a 39-year-old man for possession of Class A drug heroin with intent to supply and another man arrested for the possession of class B drug cannabis with intent to supply.
600 grams of cannabis was seized during the operation. Over 20 people were given words of advice for driving offences including excess speeding, use of a mobile phone while driving and not using correct child safety restraints in vehicles. 21 vehicles were checked over by the DVLA to ensure they met the required road safety standards.
Inspector Greg Bridget, who heads up neighbourhood policing in the Stonehouse area said: “This was a really positive outcome, both for the police and for the safety of our community. My hope is that this shows the public that we are being proactive. We are taking robust action to target drugs, pursue criminals and deter those who cause harm in our communities.
“Our aim was to disrupt drugs and organised criminals from operating in Plymouth - that’s exactly what this operation achieved. Not only that, but we have also taken a positive step in making our roads safer.
“There is more to be done and there always will be more we can do.
“I also hope that this shows individuals involved in organised crime and/or county lines, that these crimes will not be tolerated in our city. We will continue to run operations like these at different locations, various times and using unique tactics to find and arrest you.”
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs. This is often referred to as ‘drug running’.
This action formed part of a project to tackle crime in the Stonehouse area and links to Devon & Cornwall Police’s aim to reduce harm caused on our road network in the county.
There are contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions, which are known as the ‘Fatal Five’. This includes careless driving, drink/drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, using mobile phones (and other in-car distractions) and speeding.
Drivers who commit offences could receive a fine and points on their licence, a court appearance and even imprisonment for more serious offences.
For more information, visit the road safety page on the Devon & Cornwall website.
Further information about county lines and the signs to look out for can be found here: County lines | Devon & Cornwall Police
To report a crime, please visit the Devon & Cornwall website or call 101. If it is an emergency or a crime is taking place, call 999.
The neighbourhood police team were supported by the road casualty reduction officers, roads policing team and the neighbourhood support team. Partners involved in the activity included Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Plymouth City Parking Enforcement.
