Four held in drugs raids (From Witney Gazette)

Four held in drugs raids

2:05pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008 in Witney

Police raided two homes in Chipping Norton last night, which led to the arrest of four men, one for possession with intent to supply Class-A drugs.

The warrants were led by the Chipping Norton neighbourhood policing team, supported by specialist teams.

The first was carried out in Brassey House, Hailey Avenue, at 8.30pm where two men - aged 33 and 29 - were arrested for possession of Class-A drugs and released on police bail until October 14.

At the second, in Wilkins House, Hailey Avenue, a significant amount of what is believed to be Class-A drugs was seized along with drugs paraphernalia.

A 27-year-old man, who attempted to flee the property but was quickly caught by officers, was arrested for possession with intent to supply Class-A drugs. He remains in police custody. A 26-year-old man was also arrested for possession of Class-A drugs and released on police bail until October 14.

West Oxfordshire area commander Chief Insp Jack Malhi said: "Every town has drugs issues, but we have chosen to target Chipping Norton at this time because of concerns expressed to us by local residents. The neighbourhood team have been receiving very useful information about a small number of people involved in drug-related activity and we are now acting on that.

"These warrants are part of an operation in Chipping Norton that will proactively target that activity and it will last for some time. PCs and Police Community Support Officers will be patrolling the town centre and public spaces in the evening and at weekends to disrupt any drug- and alcohol-related disorder. We will also be working with partner agencies to ensure a clean up of these spaces, targeting drug paraphernalia in particular.

"Residents may notice an increased police presence in Chipping Norton; drug dealers and users certainly will."

If you have any information on drug dealing in Chipping Norton, please contact the neighbourhood team via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or via chippyneighbourhood@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk