Anti-drugs team scoop award
Monday, 10 August, 2009
South Bristol Drugs team have scooped a Home Office award for "Best practice against commercial cultivation of cannabis" continuing the team's success in 2008 where they won "Best practice against street level dealing".
Inspector Caroline Bullen said; "Winning this award demonstrates the success of our approach working with partners and the public to tackle drug supply in South Bristol. We are really pleased that we have been recognised for our efforts again this year and hope to continue our success into 2010".
Over the past year the team have executed more than 100 warrants targeting cannabis factories, resulting in the seizure of 4,500 cannabis plants and 7.5kg of cannabis. Large quantities of other drugs were also recovered plus cash in excess of £31,000 (under the proceeds of crime act).
As a result of the team's dedication and commitment, intelligence reports stated that cannabis was in short supply in parts of the area due to the relentless police raids and associated actions. The project to tackle the drugs problem in South Bristol is called "Operation Blister" and involved the implementation of four new initiatives in the fight against commercial cannabis production.
The operation results have been a great success; information has continued to flow from the local community through to the strong personal relationships established by the neighbourhood policing teams.
During the past year police have been able to identify gang members and the structures of their organisations, which in one case resulted in the removal of a significant drug dealing gang in Bristol.
Caption - Breaking down a door on a drugs raid
