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Drugs, money and weapons seized during early hours operation
27/05/2021
200 officers execute warrants across three counties in targeted drugs operation
Property in Banbury was amongst a number targeted by Thames Valley Police across three counties during an early hours operation yesterday morning. This followed a lengthy investigation into the supply of heroin and cocaine in the Thames Valley.
During the operation early on Wednesday nearly 200 officers executed a number of warrants across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire targeting serious organised crime and supply of class A drugs.
In addition to Banbury officers also attended addresses in Farmoor, Witney, Oxford, Longworth, Milton Keynes and Swindon. They arrested a total of 13 people on suspicion of drug supply, money laundering offences and possession of a Section 5 firearm.
Nine men and four woman were taken into police custody Eight people have subsequently been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. They include Sophie Plowman, 26, from Songthrush Road; Banbury, Richard Gray, 32, of Furrow Crescent, Witney; Patrick Gray, 43, of Radford Close, Oxford; William White, 35, of no fixed abode; Lewis Court, 35, of Scott Close, Kidlington; Mohammed Ali, 49, of Chervill, Beanhill, Milton Keynes; Jamie Shepherd-Smith, 32, of Bramling Cross, Longworth, Abingdon; and Mohanned Albein, 35, of St Quentin Close, Swindon. They are all due to appear before Oxford Magistrates’ Court today (May 27).
The warrants were conducted as part of a lengthy investigation into the supply of heroin and cocaine in the Thames Valley. 3kg of class A drugs, approximately £60,000 in cash and a stun gun were seized as a part of the operation.
Detective Inspector Steve Jones of the Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) said: “Tackling organised crime is one of Thames Valley Police’s top priorities, and the warrants executed this morning show that we will not tolerate drug supply in our communities.
“We will always seek to cut off supply to those who are dealing and these warrants will significantly disrupt serious and organised crime in the Thames Valley.
“Over recent weeks and months, we have conducted a number of similar operations, and our activity to work hard to remove drugs from our communities will continue.
“I hope that today’s actions will serve as a stark warning to those who seek to profit from serious and organised criminality.
“The warrants executed today are as a result of a lengthy investigation and I hope that our message is clear to anybody who is engaging in such activity.
“We know who you are, we will target you, and we will bring you to justice.
“Through our Stronghold campaign, we are committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation, such as county lines drug dealing.
“Our communities are important to us in tackling these issues, and I would urge anybody who has any information about drug supply to please report this to Thames Valley Police on 101 or online.
“You are also able to report 100% anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam