Priority monkey dust operation sees arrests and seizures across Staffordshire

More than 30 arrests have been made and 25kg of suspected monkey dust has been seized as part of a priority operation targeting the illegal substance across Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Police said that Operation Rivent, which it described as a force priority, had seen a significant amount of activity across six months.

This included around 35 arrests mainly in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, approximately 52 disruptions linked to the operation, including a number of seizures and safeguarding work to protect around 17 women and a number of children.

It also saw around 25kg of suspected monkey dust seized as well as a number of firearms, weapons and cash and, out of those arrested, a total of seven individuals were women, with one woman arrested twice on related offences.

The majority of the arrests took place in Stoke-on-Trent, followed by Stafford and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The force said that since the operation became a force priority, it had received 138 intelligence reports relating to the supply of monkey dust in the county.

Officers have also seized four vehicles and three firearms as well as knives and cash.

Superintendent Phil Bryan, who leads the operation, said: “Operation Rivent has generated positive outcomes through arrests, seizures, safeguarding and intelligence development, enhancing the understanding of local supply networks and creating further opportunities for disruption and enforcement.

“We will continue our work to disrupt supply networks, safeguarding vulnerable individuals and reducing the harm associated with monkey dust across Staffordshire throughout the remainder of 2026.”

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “To report suspicious activity in your area, call us on 101 or use Live Chat on our website.

“To help us solve crimes in your area, register your CCTV or doorbell camera for free at Home - Staffordshire Police CCTV Registry.”