Drugs arrests after Neighbourhood Watch members spot 'suspicious deals'
Four men were arrested on a blitz on suspected drug dealers in Sandwell today triggered by Neighbourhood Watch members concerned over kerbside cash deals.
Today's dawn raids brought the total number of arrests in the two day operation to nine.
This morning, a 46-year-old man from Albert Road in Aston, a 38-year-old man from Foleshill Road, Coventry, a 37-year-old man from Cumberland Road, Hateley Heath and a 23-year-old man from Grestone Avenue in Handsworth were all arrested on suspicion of drug offences.
Neighbourhood Watch members are said to have reported their suspicions over kerbside cash exchanges to officers, sparking the arrests.
Insp Akeel Najib, of Sandwell north police, said: "We have spent a long time gathering intelligence on these individuals, so naturally we are satisfied with the arrests made over the two days. However, we're not complacent and our blitz on dealers continues.
"Drugs can have a huge negative impact on communities and residents are affected not only by the drug dealing and use itself but also by the associated anti-social behaviour that often occurs."
On Tuesday two men aged 20 and 23 from Taverners Green, Birmingham, were arrested along with a 24-year-old man from Selston Road, Aston and a 20-year-old Westminster Road, Handsworth were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply drugs.
A 17-year-old boy from Handsworth was also arrested at an address in Birmingham accused of bribery.
Those five all appeared before magistrates on Wednesday.
