Drugs arrest following community intelligence

Dear Resident,

On Wednesday 19th August, the Proactive Intercept Team (PIT) acted on intelligence tasked by Wakefield Central NPT Officer PC Gleeson regarding a silver Audi A3 motor vehicle suspected of being heavily involved in the supply of Class A drugs across the Wakefield district. Initial checks revealed the vehicle had neither a registered keeper nor valid insurance.

PIT officers subsequently sighted the vehicle in Wakefield City Centre with two occupants on board. While under observation, officers witnessed what was believed to be a drug transaction, leading to the decision to intervene. The vehicle was safely brought to a stop using pre-emptive tactics in the Peacock area, and both occupants were detained under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for the purpose of a search.

Searches at the roadside uncovered a substantial amount of cash and two mobile phones; however, no controlled drugs were located at that stage. Given the circumstances and observations made by officers, both individuals were taken to nearby police premises for further searches.

During a strip search, officers recovered a plastic bag concealed between the passenger's buttocks containing approximately 100 wraps of suspected heroin and crack cocaine. Both occupants were arrested on suspicion of Possession with Intent to Supply Class A drugs and conveyed to Stainbeck Police Station for further investigation.

The driver was also found to be driving without insurance, and the vehicle was subsequently seized.

Inspector Paul Fraser, Wakefield Central NPT said: “The intelligence leading to this proactive arrest originated from one of our residents. Within an hour of being notified we had utilised the skills of specialist officers who expeditiously tracked down the vehicle and caused it to stop. The officers used the full powers available to them, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of Class A drugs which was packaged and ready to be sold on the streets. Members of the community should be reassured that when they tell officers from Wakefield Central NPT about their concerns and suspicions, we always take positive action. Together we are ensuring that Wakefield remains to be the safest city in the region”.

You can report drug dealing to us via our online reporting form Report drug use / drug dealing | West Yorkshire Police or anonymously via CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111