Ten detained in human trafficking and drugs raids

Police carried out raids in the Stone area on Thursday over human trafficking and drug offences

Ten people have been arrested for suspected human trafficking and drugs offences as part of a coordinated series of raids by Staffordshire Police.

The force said officers had targeted nine addresses in Stone on Thursday where they seized more than £30,000 worth of drugs, cash and weapons.

The action was part of an investigation into adults who officers suspect of being involved in child criminal exploitation and county lines drug dealing.

“We believe that some of the victims have been subject to horrific threats and violence,” said Det Ch Insp Amy Martin.

“They are now, thankfully, being safeguarded by ourselves and partner agencies.

She added: “The message we want to send out is clear – we are determined to make Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent a hostile environment for those who think it is acceptable to exploit children and young people in this way."

Police said the 10 suspects were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and forced servitude as well as supplying of class A and class B drugs.

They included men aged 49, 36, 34, 24, 22, two aged 20, a 56-year-old woman and two 17-year-old girls – all from the Stone area.

They remained in custody on Thursday afternoon, police added.

During the raids, officers said they seized suspected heroin, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis, more than £10,000 in cash and several weapons - including seven samurai swords - and other items linked to drug supply.