Wiltshire Police drugs fight leads to 27 arrests in 18 months

Wiltshire Police carried out searches while executing drugs warrants and arrested two people.

The operation was part of an effort over the past 18 months to combat drug dealing.

Over the last year and a half 27 people have been arrested and more than £90,000 in cash and financial assets were seized.

What happened on Friday, April 30?

Wiltshire Police armed response teams, a dog handler and officers from Chippenham community policing team carried out two warrants in Calne and Corsham as part of the ongoing police and partnership work to try to stop drug dealing in this part of the county. 

The warrant in Calne was at a property on George Close; a 28-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of Possession With Intent To Supply Class A and B drugs. 

An amount of cannabis and Class A was found at the address. 

He was taken into custody at Melksham Police Station.  

The warrant in Corsham was carried out at an address on Dickens Avenue; a 37-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. 

An amount of cannabis was discovered at the address.  He has been released under investigation. 

Drugs gangs ‘won’t be tolerated’

Sgt Richard Marshall, who has been leading the operation, said: "We have been prolific over the past 18-months at cracking down on local drug dealing in our local communities. 

"Since November 2019, the resulting operation has ensured that a large quantity of drugs has been taken off the streets along with imitation firearms, other weapons and criminal assets like cash, phones, vehicles and designer goods, which were also seized. 

"My officers in the Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Teams along with colleagues from the Fortitude Team, Melksham CID, the Intelligence Unit, Specialist Operations and Armed Response have been executing the warrants aimed at targeting drugs gangs primarily trading in cocaine and cannabis and supplying locally. 

"This level of criminality won't be tolerated by us.  The message is, if you deal in drugs be expected to be found and prosecuted. 

"For those living in these communities, please be assured our work to stop these drugs groups continues - it won't stop.

"If you have any concerns or questions please stop any of our officers you see on patrol - they will be able to help you.  Alternatively, if you wish to report anything suspicious or you suspect drug dealing in your area, please contact us on 101 or via our website."

People can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

18 drugs warrants in 18 months

Wiltshire Police released details of 18 other drugs warrants carried out in the past 18 months to tackle suspected drug dealing.

07/11/2019 - One warrant executed at Long Close, Corsham - male arrested at property and found in possession of large amount of cannabis and cocaine;  Daniel Littlechild, aged 54, was convicted of drug offences and sentenced to 27-months in prison. 

07/12/2019 - Four warrants executed at Farnwell Close and Loyalty Street in Chippenham and Long Close in Corsham.  Four people arrested on suspicion of Concerned In The Supply of Class A and money laundering. They have been released under investigation. A high value vehicle, cash, Class A and Class B drugs were located. 

03/03/2020 - Two males arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class B following the execution of a warrant on an address at Gorse Place, Corsham.  A large amount of Class B was found.  Both have been released under investigation. 

22/04/2020 – Male arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class B and a female on suspicion of PWITS Class A following a search of an address on Stonelea Close, Chippenham where Class A and B drugs were located.  Both have been released under investigation. 

29/04/2020 – Male arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class B drugs following a search of an address in Pewsham where Class B drugs were located.  He has been released under investigation. 

16/06/2020 – Search of a property on Royal Close, Chippenham;  a male was arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A.  He has been released under investigation. 

13/08/2020 - Two warrants executed on an address on Anson Avenue, Calne; two males were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A.  Both have been released under investigation. 

07/01/2021 - Warrant executed at the Travelodge, Chippenham;  male arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A and possession of a firearm.  He has been released under investigation.  

04/02/2021 - Warrant executed at a property on Loyalty Street, Chippenham; male and female arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A and possession of criminal property.  A large amount of Class A was located.  Both have been released under investigation.  

04/03/2021 - Warrant executed at an address on Linnet Road, Calne; two males arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A and B.  Both have been released under investigation.  

26/02/2021 - Warrant executed at a property on Haystack Avenue, Chippenham; a male and female arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A and B.  Both have been released under investigation.  

26/03/2021 - Warrant executed at a property on Oate Hill, Chippenham; two males arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class B.  A large amount of Class B was located.  Both have been released under investigation.  

09/04/2021 - Warrant executed at an address on Orchard Road, Corsham; male arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A, also an amount of Class A was recovered.  He has been released under investigation.

09/04/2021 - Warrant executed on Royal Close, Chippenham; a male and female arrested on suspicion of PWITS Class A.   Both have been released under investigation.  

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