Eight arrests as £5,000 of drugs seized by police
EIGHT people have been arrested and £5,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine and ketamine have been seized in a police operation targeting drug crime across Tyneside.
Officers from Nothumbria Police raided eight properties in Gateshead and Newcastle on Wednesday morning as part of Operation Salvator, which had already seen more than 60 arrests and nine men jailed.
During the raids, six men aged between 24 and 30 and a 30-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs. They remain in police custody at this time.
A 30-year-old man, believed to be connected to the conspiracy, was also arrested on Saturday and has since been released under investigation.
Chief Inspector Steve Wykes, who led the raids, said it was “only right” the force recognised the “sometimes fatal consequences” that drugs can have on people.
He said: “These latest seizures and arrests are as the result of a great deal of hard work and intelligence gathering over many weeks – and highlight our ongoing proactive activity to target illegal drugs supply in our area. Operation Salvator has been running since early 2018 and is just one of the ways we are bringing justice against those who prey on the vulnerabilities of others, especially those trapped in the cycle of addiction.
“It’s is only right we recognise the harmful, and sometimes fatal consequences these illicit substances can have on individuals. We know this is not something which we can resolve purely through policing.
“Enforcement is just one part of a large and complex response to a wider societal issue, which is why we are committed to working with our partners to help tackle this from every possible angle. If you are involved in this type of criminality, then be warned – we will be taking action.”
Coun Clare Penny-Evans, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for communities and climate change and chair of Safe Newcastle, said: “I’m really pleased that the incredible work carried out by Northumbria Police under the banner of Operation Salvator has seen yet more drugs seized and arrests made, and I would urge anybody who is struggling with substance misuse or is concerned for a friend or relative to seek support.”
To access drug and alcohol support in Newcastle, visit the Newcastle City Council website. To report any suspicious activity, visit the Northumbria Police website.