Operation Reclaim: Suspected Mamba dealers can't outrun police when they are caught red-handed in Sneinton Market

Officers seized a large quantity of mamba when two suspected drug dealers tried to evade arrest when police turned up at Sneinton Market.

One man decided to make a run for it but was quickly detained by officers before a search found a large quantity of mamba in his possession.

The second man, who attempted to walk away from approaching officers, was also stopped and searched where three large bags of mamba were discovered.

An off-duty police officer, who was walking through Sneinton Market at the time, was also able to lead officers to further wraps of drugs in a discarded latex glove.

She had witnessed the two suspects discard these items as officers arrived at the scene just after 12pm on Saturday 13 June.

These were later found to be crack cocaine and heroin.

Both men, aged 49 and 55, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A and Class B drug.

This is all part of Operation Reclaim, a partnership approach to tackling the major issues affecting the city centre, which includes drug dealing.

Sneinton Market is a priority area for the city's policing teams following concerns raised by local business owners.

A number of operations, including plain-clothed patrols, has meant a number of drug dealers have been caught in the act and will now face the courts.

Sergeant Jono Pothecary, who leads the Priority Tasking Team, said:

"The work of our team is vital in ensuring any crime concerns raised by our local community are addressed immediately.

"We know from our intelligence picture that Sneinton Market is being used by drug dealers.

"This could be due to its close links to other parts of the city or that it is just outside of the city centre boundary and criminals don't think they will be caught there.

"But as we have shown time and time again, you will be caught, and we will be seizing all of your drugs and all of your cash and building up a strong case against you to present to the courts.

"On this occasion, officers noticed the exchange of packages between two people and immediately took action.   

"Drugs such as mamba destroy lives and are closely linked to other criminal activity such as burglary, robbery, retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Crimes that have a devastating impact on law-abiding members of the public.

"We are delighted to have taken such a large quantity of mamba off the city streets and make two significant arrests.

"Hopefully this sends out a clear message to anyone else who thinks they can use Sneinton Market for these types of activities."  

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 especially those at the top of the drug chain. You aren't welcome in our city or our county."