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TWELVE people have been arrested following police raids on properties in Wokingham and Bracknell this morning (Tuesday).
Officers from across Thames Valley Police (TVP) descended on Berkshire and London to execute Operation Rickon, carrying out warrants at 26 properties in Wokingham, Bracknell, Ascot and Reading.
In total, 19 people were arrested on suspicion of various drug-related offences.
A 35-year-old man from Wokingham was arrested at a property in Lockwood Court, in Ashville Way, on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs and suspicion of people trafficking. A 16-year-old boy from London was also arrested at the same property on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply. Both have been taken into custody.
Head of TVP’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Det Supt Nick John, said: “Our investigation so far has led us to believe that a London-based organised crime group is sending ‘runners’ into Bracknell and the surrounding area to identify vulnerable drug users whose homes they can use as a base from which to sell class A drugs.
“This process is known as ‘cuckooing’. The runners take the keys from the vulnerable drug users, enabling them to come and go and conduct their illicit business as they please. Once the runners have entrenched themselves, these vulnerable residents have little or no say in what takes place at their premises, or who visits.
“This enables the organised crime group to expand their operations into more rural areas, setting up a secure base and using runners to conduct day-to-day dealing whilst control of the ‘business’ is based in their own locality.
“The illegal drugs trade has a devastating impact on a community and the operation today is part of the Thames Valley Police crackdown on such criminal activity.
“We have also been working with our local partner agencies to offer support to those affected by the illegal drugs network.”
LPA Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham, Supt Rob France said: “Thames Valley Police will not tolerate this criminal activity in our communities and as the operation today demonstrates, we will take robust action to end it and to bring those responsible to justice.
“Residents of Bracknell and Wokingham may well be shocked to hear that this type of organised crime is happening in their town. They may already have been affected by the significant issues that London-based organised crime gangs and drug dealers moving into the area can cause.
“The action taken today shows we are working hard to prevent it. The warrants are the culmination of significantly increased police activity which has been targeting the issue since it was first identified.
“Breaking the cycle of drugs addiction can be incredibly difficult, particularly for the vulnerable people who have been targeted and exploited by these drug dealing networks and may feel trapped by the situation. If you are someone who is affected by illegal drugs, I would urge you to take advantage of today’s police intervention and use the opportunity to break the cycle.
“Come forward and speak to us and our partners – we want to help. A one stop shop is available for people requiring support with substance misuse, housing, employment and benefits at Breakthrough, 9 Rectory, Easthampstead, Bracknell. Support will be available on Tuesday 19 July from 2pm to 4pm and on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 July from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
“Neighbourhood officers are on patrol in the affected areas today, so if anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak to them.
“You can also call 101 if you have any information about suspected illegal activity that you would like to report.”
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
For more pictures don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Wokingham Paper, onsale this Friday for 50p.
