Twenty-Six Arrests Following Police Operation To Target Drug Dealers

An on-going police operation in the Great Thornton Street Estate area of Hull has led to the arrest of 24 people with suspected links to organised crime.

Intelligence led raids have resulted in the search of properties and outbuildings and is part of an ongoing operation to target individuals suspected of links with criminal networks and wanted in connection with violent crime, out of town drug dealing, money laundering and ‘cuckooing.’

Cuckooing is a tactic typically used by drug gangs seeking to expand their operations beyond the reaches of their home turf. It involves taking over the homes of vulnerable people, such as drug users, people with mental health issues, drink problems and sex workers – forcing them to let someone live with them and effectively taking over their home to use as a base of operations for drug dealing and other crimes.

Humberside Police Detective Chief Inspector, Jonathan Cross said:

“Our operation has been a tremendous success. We have conducted six warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act over the last three weeks and carried out nine Police and Criminal Evidence searches, leading to the arrest of 24 people and the seizure of large amounts of controlled substances, including Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Amphetamine and Cannabis as well as cash in excess of £20,000.

“The people we’ve targeted are suspected of violent crime, drug offences and the exploitation of vulnerable people. Make no mistake, we will not tolerate this and we will act quickly and decisively to tackle offenders and bring those responsible to justice.”

Humberside Police are working with its partners to help identify and engage with vulnerable people and prevent them from becoming victims of cuckooing. This includes helping to steer those with specific vulnerabilities into services that can help them so they can rebuild their lives and break the cycle of criminality.

Chief Inspector Cross added:

“We would also like to thank the local community for their ongoing assistance. We rely on information from the public and would urge anyone with details or suspicions about criminal activity to contact us on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”