West Midlands Police have arrested six individuals following coordinated drug raids across the Black Country towns of Dudley and Sandwell. The operation, conducted on April 24, involved warrants executed at two shops and a flat on High Street in Cradley.
Arrests and Charges
Police confirmed that two men, aged 42 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs. A 56-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs. Earlier that day, three men aged 51, 21, and 19 were arrested in Oldbury on similar charges of supplying Class A drugs. All six suspects remain in police custody.
Seized Items
During the raids, officers seized suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia, counterfeit cigarettes, counterfeit cash, and several electronic devices including phones and laptops. The investigation is ongoing.
Police Statement
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Our enquiries into this are continuing as we act swiftly against drug dealing through shops and reassure our communities in Dudley, Sandwell, and across the wider region, that we won't tolerate illegal activities. Drugs not only ruin lives but fuel further crime."
The spokesperson added: "We carry out both visible enforcement, and activities which are not always visible to the public, to disrupt and combat the scourge of drugs. This includes increased patrols in areas where intelligence suggests there may be criminal activity so we can seek to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved."
Collaboration with Agencies
Police highlighted their collaboration with Sandwell Council's trading standards department and other agencies such as HMRC. "We're also often involved in warrants alongside Trading Standards, HMRC and others, in response to information we receive about illegal drug sales, anti-social behaviour, and crime and disorder," the spokesperson said.
"If there's evidence of criminal activity, or links to organised crime, then we will always look to secure charges and seek closure orders on premises."
Appeal for Information
West Midlands Police urged the public to report any suspicious activity. "We would urge anyone with information to contact us and our partner agencies, as the more evidence and intelligence we receive means we all have a better opportunity of combating any illegal activities," the spokesperson concluded. Information can be provided via Live Chat on the police website or by calling 101.
