CALLING TIME ON DRUG DEALING: Police at a house in Turlin Moor

OFFICERS raided four addresses in Poole On February 26 to crack down on the supply of drugs and disrupt criminal activity.

The Daily Echo accompanied officers on a series of raids in the town as part of Dorset Police's high-profile drug campaign Operation Dismantle.

A team of 40 officers were involved in the day of action, which saw warrants executed at addresses in Fitzworth Avenue in Turlin Moor; Kitchener Crescent in Waterloo; Goldfinch Road in Creekmoor and an address in Branksome.

Three warrants were executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the fourth under the Theft Act 1968.

Officers found evidence of the misuse of drugs at all four addresses and herbal cannabis at the house in Kitchener Crescent and a flat in Goldfinch Road. Officers also seized bicycles and surveyor's equipment from the Creekmoor address which they suspect were stolen.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at an address in Poole on suspicion of burglary and is helping police with their enquiries.

Beat officers and police community support officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Teams also attended each warrant to provide reassurance to the local community.

On Monday officers also executed three warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act at two commercial premises in Hamworthy and a residential address in Broadstone.

After entering the commercial premises, officers found cash in excess of £5,000 and approximately 1,000 tablets, believed to be illicit drugs. The tablets are now being analysed.

Officers also found a similar amount of cash and a quantity of white powder at the residential address.

A 39-year-old man, a 20-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of committing drug-related offences. A 35-year-old man was also arrested for obstructing police officers. They have all been released on police bail pending further enquires.

Sgt Mark Callaghan, of Poole police, said: "Today's warrants demonstrate Dorset Police's continued commitment, through Operation Dismantle, to tackle acquisitive crime linked to the use and supply of illegal drugs.

"Some of the items we have seized today will have been stolen from homes during burglaries in the local area. Now that we have recovered these items, my team will take every opportunity to return those items to their rightful owners."

He added: "People need to feel empowered to make the change and come forward with information. We feed off information from the public and it helps bring the pieces of the jigsaw together. Often information from the public can be the key piece we need to fill our intelligence gaps.

"I would urge Daily Echo readers with information about drug activity to get in contact with us on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

7:00am Thursday 28th February 2008

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