Police arrest 64 people and seize XL bully in raids

An XL bully was seized during Operation Vanquish, which saw police raid properties across the West Country

More than 60 people have been arrested and class A drugs with a street value of more than £150,000 have been seized in a series of police raids.

Weapons, cash and stolen goods were also recovered during the latest phase of Operation Vanquish between 10 and 16 June.

The targeted areas where police raids took place included Gloucester, Cheltenham, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Swindon, Bristol and Bath, and involved officers from the West Country's five forces.

A "dangerous looking XL Bully dog" was also seized, said Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Gloucestershire PCC Chis Nelson said he was "pleased to witness a very successful operation"

Police across the region said they targeted gangs and addresses of suspected drug dealers and suppliers; stepped up patrols of known hotspots and used technology to disrupt so-called county lines activities.

Huge quantities of crack cocaine, cannabis and heroin were found, they said.

While weapons, including a number of firearms, a Samurai sword, machete and knives, were also recovered.

A total of 64 arrests were made, and more than £152,173 of drugs, £198,088 in cash and 29 weapons were recovered.

The operation also saw 28 vulnerable people safeguarded, along with the recovery of clothing, motorcycles, and high-value cars.

'Help for addiction'

Speaking on behalf of the other four PCCs, Mr Nelson said he was "pleased to witness a very successful operation on day one".

As well as seven arrests it saw "the seizure of a significant amount of class A drugs and weapons, and the confiscation of a dangerous-looking XL bully dog", he said.

Deputy PCC and chair of Gloucestershire's Combating Drugs partnership Nick Evans said drug enforcement was "critical", but also had a message for those using drugs.

"I want to encourage those that use drugs to get help to stop using.

"VIA, the county’s new drug and alcohol treatment service, along with Narcotics Anonymous can help start their journey away from dependence.

"That way we can reduce the hold these exploitative criminal dealers have on some of the most vulnerable people in the county, and stop them from ruining more lives."