Drugs and bladed articles seized following proactive warrant, Torquay

Devon & Cornwall Police recently seized a number of illegal substances and bladed articles from an address in Torquay following a proactive warrant.

Devon & Cornwall Police recently seized a number of illegal substances and bladed articles from an address in Torquay following a proactive warrant.

The warrant took place on Tuesday 24 September at an address in the town centre. Class A and B drugs were seized, along with two bladed articles known as zombie knives. Suspected drug dealing paraphernalia was also found in the address. An arrest was made for possession with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon. The individual remains in custody while enquiries continue.

Inspector Chris Lithgow, who heads up the team of neighbourhood police officers in Torquay, said: “After listening to concerns from local people about the property and receiving reports about suspected drug dealing, we were able to gather evidence to secure this warrant. This has been a positive result for both the team and people in the local area.

"Knife crime is not a major issue in Devon and Cornwall, this includes Torquay. We do take knife crime very seriously and will continue to remove knives from the streets. This proactive action highlights how our police officers are working with communities to target people who commit crime in our town. Torquay remains a safe place to visit, work and live.

“Disrupting crime, including drug dealing, is one of our priorities for the town. Throughout the year, officers will persist with activity, including warrants, high visibility patrols and operations to identify offenders, seize illegal items and make arrests.

“If you have any information, no matter how small, please report it to us; it could be the piece of information we need to be able to secure a warrant or an arrest,” Insp Lithgow added “by working together, we can keep pursuing offenders to make our streets safer. Thank you.”

The warrant was conducted by Torquay neighbourhood officers alongside the neighbourhood support team. A passive drugs search dog also joined the team during the property search.

If you have any information about illegal activity, including concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Devon & Cornwall Police. To do this, please visit our website or call 101. In an emergency call 999.

Information can also be passed 100% anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.

Knife amnesty bins are located at Torquay, Brixham and Newton Abbot Police Station.