Operation Reclaim: Police tackle North Sherwood Street drug dealers peddling Mamba on the city streets

Officers seized a large quantity of mamba and arrested a number of suspects following reports that North Sherwood Street alleyways were being used for drug supply.

Operation Reclaim, which launched in April, is a partnership approach to tacking the major issues affecting the city centre.

This includes youth anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, shoplifting and illegal e-bikes, which are impacting on the lives of law-abiding members of the public.

Following community intelligence that North Sherwood Street, and adjacent alleyways, were being used for drug supply, a police operation was launched.

On Friday, May 29, a number of police teams including neighbourhood policing, priority tasking and the knife crime team joined forces in the city centre.

Two men, aged 53 and 29,  were arrested for possession with intent to supply Mamba, including one man who was wanted for two shop thefts.

During this search, a large quantity of mamba was found, including a large quantity in a carrier bag.

The team also managed to seize two illegal e-bikes and stop searched five people due to their behaviour.

This is just one of many operations in the city centre to make Nottingham as hostile as possible for criminals to operate and improve public safety.

Sergeant Dan Butler, who led the recent operation in the city centre, said:

"It is vitally important we listen to our communities and address their concerns.

"Having received community intelligence that North Sherwood Street and its alleyways were being used for drug supply, we immediately acted on that information.

"We were delighted to catch two people with a substantial amount of mamba as well as seizing two illegal e-bikes. Illegal e-bikes are often linked to other crimes such as shoplifting and drug supply as they often provide criminals with a quick exit from the city centre.

"However, we are well aware of their tactics and will use every power to not only take away your drugs and bikes but also make sure you are put before the courts.

"There are also other powers at our disposal which can see you banned from the city centre. We have no problem whatsoever in making your life as difficult as possible so that Nottingham becomes a safer place to work, live and visit."

City Commander, Superintendent Chris Pearson said:

"We know the devastating impact that mamba is having on our city centre.

"Often used by the rough sleeping community, the side effects are dangerous, leaving people to collapse in the street or outside shop doorways.

"I know our partners are working extremely hard to support rough sleepers but we know that drug dealers will take advantage of them.

"Drugs such as mamba are highly addictive and dangerous and can lead to criminal activity to ensure they can afford their next supply.

"This is why we plan to take out those dealers. You aren't welcome in our city or our county. Only last month, we made four significant arrests and seized a large stash of mamba from a property in Arnold.

"We will continue to ensure these dealers are caught, their drugs seized, and their operations closed down."

Framework is a charity delivering housing and homelessness support and health and recovery support to people with a diverse range of needs across Nottinghamshire.

Mark Garner, Operations Manager for Framework, said:

"Mamba is one of many problematic substances that can cause serious health related harm to the people who use them.

"Those sleeping rough and using substances are some of the most vulnerable people in our society and they are often targeted and exploited by drug dealers. We fully support the work of our partners in the police and city council to target and remove drug dealers from the city streets. This action helps us to offer support and treatment to those who need it.

Our Street Outreach Team works alongside partners to engage with rough sleepers, assessing their needs and helping them to access accommodation and support. We also offer treatment for substance use in the city through our services at Nottingham Recovery Network, and we have a specialist Rough Sleeper Drug and Alcohol Treatment Team who deliver assertive outreach treatment to people who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed."