|
Dear Resident. On 1st & 2nd February, officers from Wakefield Central NPT East took part in Operation MIDDLETRE, a proactive and intelligence-led crackdown on drug supply, anti-social behaviour and the criminality affecting communities in Portobello, Eastmoor and College Grove.
The operation was developed and led by PC 3250 Gleeson, who coordinated specialist resources from across the force, including the Police Interceptor Team (PIT), Specialist Support Group (SSG), Force Intelligence Officers and officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team. Together they used a mix of overt and covert tactics to disrupt those bringing drugs, violence, and associated crime into our area. This approach allowed us to target the right people at the right time, supporting our commitment to keeping communities safe.
What we achieved over the two days
Across the operation, officers conducted 32 stop searches, seized a significant quantity of Class A and B drugs, removed illegal vehicles from the roads, and arrested several individuals linked to drug supply and related offending. A substantial amount of new intelligence was also gathered which will support future enforcement activity.
Results – 01/02/2026
• Arrests for affray on College Grove, linked to drug supply and weapons
• Driver with no licence or insurance stopped by PCs Gleeson and Denton with support from SSG; vehicle seized and driver summonsed
• Cannabis seized from a driver on Denby Dale Road and dealt with via an out-of-court disposal
• Stolen scooter with two riders failed to stop for PIT; scooter recovered in Thornes Park and returned to its rightful owner
• Passenger found with Class A cocaine after a vehicle stop in Agbrigg and summonsed to court
• Male detained on Woodcock Street found with five wraps of crack cocaine and heroin and sent to court for Class A offences
Results – 02/02/2026
• Within 25 minutes of deployment, PIT intercepted a vehicle on Eastmoor following suspected drug activity; crack cocaine, cash and mobile phones seized. Driver and passenger arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and bailed with conditions pending forensic analysis
• Wanted male located by PC Gleeson in Portobello; arrested after a short foot chase and placed before the courts
• Driver with no licence or insurance stopped in Eastmoor; vehicle seized and driver reported
Speaking after the operation, Inspector Fraser of Wakefield Central NPT said:
“Operation MIDDLETRE shows what can be achieved when the public share their concerns and police teams from across the force work together with a clear focus. Wakefield Central NPT East officers remain committed to protecting neighbourhoods, responding to community issues, and keeping pressure on those involved in crime. Criminals should take note: we are not stopping here and further operations will follow. If something does not look right, we encourage you to report it. Your information helps us identify problem areas, target offenders, and make your streets safer.”
You can report drug dealing and anti-social behaviour to us online https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it or you can report anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. We will act on all credible information. 
| 
