Police Make Further Raids Over Illegal Drugs

Published on: 29 Mar, 2012
Updated on: 11 Apr, 2012

The police have continued to tackle dealers bringing illegal drugs into Guildford with a second phase of raids this week.

As stated on the Surrey Police website, on Tuesday morning, March 27, officers carried out early morning raids in the town in conjunction with other raids across the south of England.

Called Operation Austin, six addresses were targeted in Guildford and a further eight addresses in the London area.

An initial swoop three months ago targeted those involved with the illegal supply of drugs in the town. Officers swooped on houses to execute warrants. As a result of the first phase, 26 people have been charged.

Surrey Police reports that three people were taken into custody as a result of the recent action in Guildford – a 25-year-old woman, a 30-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man. A further five people were taken into custody from other locations. All were arrested on suspicion of supplying and selling Class A drugs.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Amy Buffoni said: “We are currently still working at some locations and there are likely to be further arrests. The early morning activity demonstrates the determination of Surrey Police to crack down on drug dealing head on in the area.

“The action has been supported by our partner agencies who are working on consolidation activities to help those affected by drug dealing and its associated offending in the community. We have had a positive reaction from local residents and officers are out and about providing reassurance and information.

“We will continue working with our partners to keep the streets safe for our neighbourhoods and to remind the public that any information which can help target further offenders in our neighbourhoods should be passed to officers on 101 or to the independent anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Operation Austen is an ongoing community led intelligence operation which has seen to date a significant quantity of Class A and B drugs recovered and quantities of cash. Police activity follows months of work to gather information and evidence.