Mansfield police discover 200 wraps of hard drugs in lad’s underpants

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s knife crime team witnessed the activity near the skate park in Barringer Road shortly after 2pm on Thursday.

MORE: Nottinghamshire covid figures heading in right direction but 'more work to do' health bosses say

A short time later, officers pulled over a car in Bath Lane, where a suspect was searched and found to be in possession of cannabis.

A later search at Mansfield police station revealed around 200 wraps of Class A drugs hidden in his underpants.

Police then searched a property in Almond Rise and found large quantities of what is believed to be crack cocaine and heroin.

Five weapons and cash were also found.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and remains in police custody.

The force’s knife crime team is a specialist group set up to tackle violent crime, remove dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets, and keep people safe.

Inspector Nick Butler, district commander for Mansfield, said: “This was a great bit of police work that led us to a significant haul of illegal drugs.

“Drug dealing causes a significant amount of harm in our community and often leads to increase in other types of crime.

“That’s why we focus so much catching the people involved and removing drugs from our streets.”

He added: “In this instance we were responding to local concerns about illegal activity in the area and used plain-clothed officers to take a closer look at what was happening.

“Just as we had hoped, this operation led us not only to a single suspect, but also to a much larger supply of drugs.

“Tackling drug-related crime is one of our three main community priorities, which are set by members of the public responding to our What Matters community surveys.

“If you are concerned about crime where you live, please be sure to complete this survey.

“We will listen and we will take action of we can.”

Anyone concerned about drug dealing in their community call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

MORE: Sutton family hoping to bring sweets to the streets with dessert bus service

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.