25 arrests made as Staffordshire Police operation targets criminal networks in Cannock

Local officers have teamed up with Cannock Chase District Council and Staffordshire County Council's over the last few weeks to tackle serious and organised crime in the Chadsmoor area.

As part of the operation, Staffordshire Police have arrested 25 people in the Cannock area on suspicion of a range of offences linked to organised crime, six of which have been charged with offences and are due to appear in court.

Officers have seized more than £6,000-worth of drugs and £1,800 in cash across a series of warrants, stopped 57 drivers and carried out five alcohol breath tests, resulting in one driver being arrested on suspicion of drink driving and two e-scooters being seized, and carried out 29 stop and searches, leading to the arrest of a man after a knife was found.

They have made multi-agency visits to vulnerable people, resulting in the implementation of safeguarding measures and ongoing support for families affected by criminality, and Trading Standards visits to businesses resulting in 2,100 illegal cigarettes, 150-grammes of illegal hand rolling tobacco, and 29 suspected counterfeit Labubu dolls being seized.

Officers have also closed a cannabis factory and made arrests in connection with drug cultivation, and made immigration visits to addresses and businesses in the area to generate ongoing intelligence.

The initiative forms part of Staffordshire Police's Safer Communities, Stronger Future commitment, where police officers and local authority partners continue to deal with the issues that residents care about the most in Cannock.

Chief Inspector Al Lyford and Inspector Lee Walker, from the Cannock local policing team, collectively said: “This initiative can only mean good things for those living and working in Chadsmoor.

“We are absolutely determined to continue this piece of work with our partners and to drive tangible change. Local officers have worked incredibly hard during the first phase of this initiative to gather intelligence and disrupt serious and organised criminals operating in the area.

“We’ve successfully disrupted criminal networks, safeguarded vulnerable individuals, and improved community safety through Safer Communities, Stronger Future. Now, we want to build on these successes alongside the local authority.

“This piece of work is going to be a gradual process. We’ve done the first part by being proactive and taking the fight to those who commit crime on our streets, but now we’re going to continue engaging with people and building on the foundations that have been set over the last few weeks.”

Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing, said: "This 18-day operation shows what police and council working together can achieve: 25 arrests, over £6,000 in drugs seized, a cannabis factory closed. That's enforcement that works.

“Now we build on this by working with residents and businesses to prevent criminals returning - part of our Safer Communities, Stronger Future commitment. Chadsmoor deserves safe streets, and this partnership delivers.”

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “The successful outcome of this joint operation sends out a clear message that we do not tolerate crime on our high streets and the sale of illegal products in our communities.

“These products not only undermine legitimate businesses but pose serious health risks, especially to young people.

“The sale of these illicit products is not a victimless crime. It fuels organised criminal networks and undermines the safety of our streets.”