A suspected drug dealer has been arrested after being found inside a hotel dedicated to housing some of society’s most vulnerable people during the coronavirus lockdown.
Police were called to the Great Western Hotel on Station Road, Swindon, around 10pm last Monday following a report about an unknown male acting suspiciously on the premises.
The hotel is currently protected by a partial closure order which prevents anyone who is not housed at the address, other than authorised professionals, enter the property.
On arrival, officers located a 16-year-old boy from Peterborough – more than 115 miles away. Following a search, he was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with the intent to supply. He has now been released on conditional bail while police continue their investigation.
PC Paul Bezzant said: “We are working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council to safeguard the current residents, many of whom are extremely vulnerable and at risk of exploitation through their various associations often linked to drugs.
“The current order will remain in place for a total of three months to protect the residents as well as the staff who work on the premises.
“The suspicious incident last Monday shows why such an order needs to be in place.”
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