Drugs and weapons seized in large-scale warrant operation – Three Rivers

Two people were arrested and more than £10,000 worth of cocaine was seized after police executed warrants across five addresses in Three Rivers yesterday (Wednesday 8 November).

Led by the district’s Operation Scorpion team, fifty police officers paid an early morning call to five properties in Highlands, South Oxhey, with the support of two Police Dogs and a drone.

Teams from across the constabulary were involved, including the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit; Operation Scorpion team colleagues from Watford, St Albans, Hertsmere, Dacorum, and Welwyn Hatfield; the Three Rivers Safer Neighbourhood Team; officers from both the Watford and Hertford Operational Support Groups; the tri-force Operational Support Unit and tri-force Dog Unit.

A large quantity of cocaine was found and recovered, with a significant amount located in the glove box of a vehicle searched by officers under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Among other items seized were several rounds of ammunition, a machete-style knife, multiple mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia.

A 20 year old man from South Oxhey was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine), possession of class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of an offensive weapon (knife).

A 41 year old man from South Oxhey was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

Both men have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

PC Charlie Jones, from the Three Rivers Operation Scorpion team, said: “This is the latest operation in our continuing efforts to target and disrupt suspected class A drug dealers in our community, and is the result of a team effort between multiple departments across the constabulary.

“We understand that the residents of Highlands may have found our visit in the early hours unsettling, as we certainly were not quiet while we carried out our work, but I hope they are reassured by the action we have taken. We want it to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the violence and exploitation that is all too often associated with drug supply, and we promise to continue seeking out those involved and in turn, protecting the vulnerable.

“This police operation took months of meticulous planning, so it’s important for the public to know that if we don’t take immediately visible steps to tackle an issue, we are always listening and working on a solution behind the scenes.”

If you suspect drug-related crime in your local area, report it online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or by calling the non-emergency number 101.

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