Knives, drugs and fake guns seized in raid

Police raided four properties in Wilton, near Salisbury

Five men have been arrested after 40 police officers raided four properties, finding zombie-style knives, drugs and imitation firearms.

The men were arrested in Wilton, near Salisbury, on suspicion of drug offences following reports about a "significant County Lines" drug issue in the town, Wiltshire Police said.

The men were arrested on suspicion of supplying class A and C drugs and being concerned in the cultivation of class C drugs. One of the men was also wanted after being recalled to prison.

Insp Ricky Lee said: “Wilton is a nice, small, safe community and we will never tolerate the illegal drugs trade nor the anti-social behaviour which usually accompanies it."

Large knives were among the items seized

Ten people were initially detained during the operation which was carried out on Friday morning.

Officers involved in the raids were from teams across the force, including the Intel Department, Armed Response Group and Dogs’ Unit.

Insp Lee said said: “Today’s warrants were undertaken after we received reports about a significant County Lines drug issue in Wilton.

“During the searches, on these properties, we found several knives, drugs and imitation firearms."

Imitation firearms were recovered during the searches

He added: “Today has been a success - we have made arrests and also confiscated weapons and drugs which can no longer do harm on our streets.

“This is a good example of us responding to the concerns from local people who have reported these issues, coupled with the intelligence gathered by our officers about possible County Lines activity."

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson joined the officers on the raids and said: “The impacts of county lines in our communities is far reaching, not only in terms of substance misuse and addiction but also the serious violence which often goes hand in hand with organised criminals bringing drugs across borders and into Wiltshire.

“The weapons seized in addition to the drugs, will cause serious harm if used against an individual and I’m pleased that Wiltshire Police has now removed them from our streets."

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of supplying class A and C drugs