A crack team of covert police officers raided a house in North Swindon yesterday morning.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit arrived at the property in William Morris Way at around 7.30am, with locals waking to the sound of the big red key smashing down the door.
The officers arrived in unmarked cars, some of which were described as “clapped-out” by residents of the quiet suburban road who were surprised to see police activity outside.
At least ten police units – including neighbourhood teams – were at the scene shortly after the initial raid. A police dog was brought in to search the house.
“About ten police officers turned up wearing normal clothes”, a neighbour who watched the raid told Wiltshire 999s. Adding that “some arrived in clapped-out cars like an old Ford Focus with dents in the bumper”.
A number of other neighbours said they were shocked to see the bust unfold because nothing about the property or its occupants have ever raised alarm bells. They were given leaflets by community support officers which gave advise on spotting and reporting drug dealing in the community.
Two cars, a Mazda and a Lexus, were also seized by police who remained at the house until around 1.30pm searching and removing evidence, including soil and liquids.
Two people were arrested – a 39-year-old man on suspicion of improper importation of goods (class A drugs), possession with intent to supply class B drugs and production of class B drugs, and a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs.
Det Sgt Claire Smith said: “As a result of a number of packages intercepted by the Border Force in connection with these addresses, we have been conducting an investigation which led to yesterday’s warrant and subsequent arrests. Our enquiries will now continue.”
