30/07/2003

Bristol police arrest 36 in anti-crack cocaine raids

Thirty-six people have been arrested by police in Bristol after carrying out one of the biggest operations against crack cocaine dealers in the West Country.

For the past week and a half, hundreds of officers, supported by firearms specialists, have taken part in a series of raids that have targeted the city's crack dealers.

Of those arrested, 29 have been charged with drugs and firearms offences – and 27 are Jamaican nationals.

The remaining seven people were handed over to the Immigration service and will not be charged in this country.

The majority of those arrested have been remanded in custody and 10 have already entered guilty pleas at court.

Seven firearms, including a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition, imitation and reactivated weapons, and a quantity of crack cocaine and heroin were seized in the operation.

More than 200 rocks of crack cocaine have also been recovered.

Police say that more arrests are planned for later in the week.

As part of Operation Atrium – the constabulary's anti-drug dealing operation – more than 960 people have been arrested in the past 18 months.

(GMcG)

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