Operation Advent

1 December - 24 December

This table shows a summary of action taken during Operation Advent:

Warrants Executed	41
ARRESTS MADE	30
PEOPLE CHARGED OR CAUTIONED	19
CLASS A SEIZED	25
Persons on Bail pending CPS Advice	5
CANNABIS PLANTS SEIZED	850
STREET VALUE OF SEIZURES	£400,000

THIRTY PEOPLE were arrested during a festive crackdown on drug related crimes across Dudley borough.

Officers from Dudley Police launched Operation Advent on December 1, pledging to execute a search warrant a day across the area over the Advent period, up to Christmas Eve.

Information gathered exceeded expectations, and in the end a total of 41 warrants were executed, largely under the Misuse of Drugs Act, during the 24-day operation.

Cannabis plants and Class A drugs were recovered, worth more than £400,000.

Inspector Richard Jones from Dudley Police led the operation. He said: “We wanted to make a significant impact on those suspected of being involved in the illegal supply and possession of drugs, as well as other offences that impact heavily on this area such as burglary and handling of stolen goods.

“We arrested 30 people in a little over three weeks, and the amount of information we gathered to make that possible was phenomenal.

“We thank local people for telling us about their concerns and suspicions which led to us taking such decisive action.”

Of the 30 people arrested, 25 were either charged and appeared before the courts, or given a police caution.

The remaining five are currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

“We aim to send a strong message that drugs will not be tolerated in Dudley and if found to be involved in the illegal supply of controlled substances then you will be prosecuted.

“Such crimes can carry a custodial sentence, and so this operation should serve as a warning to others involved in similar activity,” said Inspector Jones.

Anyone with information or concerns regarding illegal or suspicious behaviour in their community is urged to contact their local police team on 0345 113 5000 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.