IMITATION firearms and suspected drugs were seized in police raids at four Wilton properties.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after the raids, which involved up to 40 officers, including the Wiltshire Police armed response team and the dog unit.
A total of 10 people were initially detained during the operation which was carried out on Friday morning (August 16).
Five people have now been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and C drugs and concerned in the cultivation of Class C drugs.
The arrests included one man who was wanted after being recalled to prison.
Suspected drugs, imitation firearms and several knives, including zombie-style knives were seized during the raids, said Inspector Ricky Lee.
“(These) warrants were undertaken after we received reports about a significant County Lines drug issue in Wilton,” he added.
“During the searches, on these properties, we found several knives, drugs and imitation firearms.
“(The raid) has been a success – we have made arrests and also confiscated weapons and drugs which can no longer do harm on our streets.
“This is a good example of us responding to the concerns from local people who have reported these issues, coupled with the intelligence gathered by our officers about possible County Lines activity.
“Wilton is a nice, small, safe community and we will never tolerate the illegal drugs trade nor the anti-social behaviour which usually accompanies it.”
Around 40 police officers were involved in the raids at properties in Wilton. Picture: Wiltshire Police
He urged anyone who suspects drug dealing in their area to report it via the Wiltshire Police website, or on 101. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Officers executing the warrants this morning were joined by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, who said: “(This) proactive policing operation highlights the excellent work of the recently re-established and expanding neighbourhood teams.
“The impacts of county lines in our communities is far reaching, not only in terms of substance misuse and addiction but also the serious violence which often goes hand in hand with organised criminals bringing drugs across borders and into Wiltshire.
“The weapons seized in addition to the drugs, will cause serious harm if used against an individual and I’m pleased that Wiltshire Police has now removed them from our streets.
“The hard work of Wiltshire Police’s neighbourhood teams and the significant intelligence which has led to these warrants being executed this morning is testament to the Chief Constable’s determination to ensure more visible policing that is better connected to Wiltshire’s communities.”
