Dealer caught selling drugs in front of street of people clapping for the NHS in Sutton

On Thursday, police officers from the area’s Neighbourhood Team were deployed in plain clothes, along with the assistance of City North ‘OpReacher’ team, after receiving reports of drug dealing in the vicinity of Mansfield Road.

On its Facebook page, the Ashfield Police: Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton in Ashfield area team, described how a drug deal had been observed on Redcliffe Street.

A 21-year-old man was arrested after being found in possession of cannabis, cash and a locking knife. A 16-year-old boy was also found to be in possession of cannabis at the same location.

The Ashfield police posted on Facebook April 19: “Not smart to sell drugs when the streets are full of people doing the Clap for the NHS.”

Sutton Councillor David Hennigan said: “In challenging times, our local police team, led by the inspirational Inspector Craig Hall, continues to do an excellent job with severely limited resources.

“In these unprecedented times - residents in places like Sutton are taking great comfort from the fact that our police, like many key workers are doing their job so effectively.

“Whether that be working with local councillors to enforce social distancing rules, arresting people for burglary, drug dealing and getting to grips with rising reports of domestic violence.

“The fact that vigilant residents on Redcliffe Street spotted a drug deal whilst clapping for our NHS was a great example of the community working with our local officers to take another drug dealer off our streets.

“The police were correct to say it’s not smart to deal drugs whilst our streets are full of residents clapping for the NHS. It’s not smart ever!”

On Tuesday, a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant had also been executed at an address on Hardwick Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Four people were arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.