A 23-year-old man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the supply of spice in Birmingham, with police seizing the synthetic drug, around £1,000 in cash, several mobile phones, and drugs paraphernalia.
Joint Operation Targets Hospital Area
The arrest followed a joint operation between West Midlands Police teams and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, prompted by reports of drug dealing near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. On Wednesday night (July 15), officers from the County Lines Taskforce (CLTF), Operation Skybridge, and neighbourhood teams stopped a vehicle linked to the investigation and conducted searches.
Seizures and Arrest
Spice and approximately £1,000 in cash were recovered, along with multiple mobile phones and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and remains in police custody.
Police Statement
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We’ve arrested a man and seized several items linked to drug dealing, as part of a joint operation between policing teams in Birmingham. Officers from our County Lines Taskforce and our proactive team Operation Skybridge joined neighbourhood colleagues to carry out an operation relating to an investigation into the supply of spice in Birmingham.”
“Due to reports of drug dealing near the QE Hospital, officers worked with the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust as they carried out enquiries and looked to put a stop to it. Late yesterday, officers from the CLTF and Op Skybridge worked with neighbourhood officers to stop a vehicle linked to the investigation and carry out further searches.”
Community Impact
Supt David Sproson added: “Joint working like this is key to tackling issues around drug supply in Birmingham and across the West Midlands. We know the impact drug crime has on communities, and we’re relentlessly targeting those suspected of being involved in it. As this investigation is showing, we have teams of officers ready to act on the intelligence provided to us, and where concerns are raised about drug dealing, we’ll tackle it head on.”
Police encourage anyone with information about drug crime to report it via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
