Multiple arrests as drugs and weapons seized in West Midlands
Police have made multiple arrests and seized drugs and weapons as part of their Guardian Task Force initiative.
Guardian Taskforce is a special team within West Midlands Police which specifically targets knife crime and youth violence across the West Midlands.
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On February 6, Guardian Taskforce officers were operating around Wolverhampton city centre when a 44-year-old man was stopped and searched.
Two wraps of Class A drugs and a knife were seized, and the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of Class A drugs.
Dean Everall, from Bridgnorth, has been charged with both offences and will appear before Dudley magistrates' court on March 5.
On Saturday, February 7, one of the Guardian teams patrolling around Chelmsley Wood spotted a suspicious vehicle in Roebuck Close.
Following a search of the vehicle, officers found a machete, a large amount of cash, and multiple wraps of Class A drugs.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
He has since been bailed pending further enquiries into the investigation.
On the same day, another team were in Balsall Heath where a car was stopped on Edward Road.
Following a search of the vehicle, an amount of cannabis was seized, and a 26-year-old man was arrested. He was given a community resolution.
On Sunday, the team were patrolling around Shard End, Birmingham, when a boy 'reacted' to their presence.
Following a short foot chase, a 16-year-old boy was detained.
A zombie knife was found nearby, and the boy was arrested on suspicion of carrying a bladed article. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Also on Sunday, officers in the Western team were in Lye when a man was stopped on Lye High Street.
Following a search, officers found cannabis, cash and mobile phones believed to be linked to drug dealing.
A 22-year-old man was charged with possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Project Guardian is a specialist taskforce which tackles knife crime and youth violence.
"There is particular emphasis on reducing knife crime, through a range of tactics from plain-clothed operations to high visibility patrols and positive engagement with young people.
"If you see something suspicious in your area, get in touch with us by calling 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to stay anonymous."
