Watch: Three arrested as city centre police address drug-dealing concerns

Three arrests were made as police held a day of action to address concerns over drug-dealing in Nottingham city centre.

Members of the public have reported seeing people buying and selling drugs in the Old Market Square area in recent weeks.

Neighbourhood officers reviewed CCTV and conducted plain-clothed patrols as part of an intelligence-gathering exercise.

On Monday, unformed officers and a police dog swooped on Long Row and arrested three people on suspicion of committing drug offences.

The planned operation took place at 2.15pm and resulted in the following outcomes after suspects were detained and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act:

• A 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug. Later bailed with conditions while further investigation work is carried out.
• A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and possession of a Class B drug. Further arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property. Later charged with possession of a Class B drug and bailed with conditions in relation to the remaining matters.
• A 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class B drug. Further arrested for assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage after a police officer’s glasses were damaged after he was struck by the suspect. Later charged with all three offences and granted conditional bail. Due to appear at Nottingham Youth Court on 27 November.

Sergeant Jono Pothecary, who led the operation, said the City Centre neighbourhood policing team was committed to listening to people’s concerns and arresting offenders. He said:

“We’ve been listening to members of the public who have rightly raised concerns and dissatisfaction that individuals have been involved in antisocial behaviour and other offences.

“People reported seeing large groups congregating in Long Row next to Old Market Square and exchanging packages between them, which appeared to be drugs. We’ve also had reports of people smoking cannabis and using other illegal drugs.

“In response to those concerns, we’ve been monitoring CCTV and identified a group who have been hanging around and causing misery to people going about their daily business.

“Today we’ve acted on those concerns and arrested three suspects who we believe to be concerned in the dealing of controlled substances.

“Hopefully this action reassures the public that we are listening to them and will continue to take action against anybody who commits offences in Nottingham city centre.”

Anyone who sees something suspicious or has information that could aid our efforts to crackdown on crime is asked to report it to us.

Full details on how you can contact Nottinghamshire Police can be found here: Contact us | Nottinghamshire Police.