Three suspected drug dealers have been apprehended by West Midlands Police following a targeted operation in Lye, with officers acting on suspicious activity observed on a local car park.
Police Intervention on Cross Walks Car Park
Officers from the force's Project Guardian team were conducting routine patrols on Monday evening, February 2, when they witnessed what they described as a suspicious interaction taking place on a car park situated off Cross Walks in Lye. The incident occurred at approximately 9.15pm, prompting immediate police intervention.
Vehicle Stop and Initial Discoveries
Following their observations, police officers proceeded to stop a vehicle associated with the activity. During this initial intervention, authorities discovered a significant haul of illicit items within the vehicle. These included a quantity of cannabis, multiple mobile phones, a substantial amount of cash, and a knife, raising immediate concerns about potential drug dealing and violent crime.
Expanded Search and Further Seizures
The operation did not conclude with the vehicle stop. Acting on intelligence gathered at the scene, officers conducted a subsequent search of a nearby storage unit. This expanded search yielded additional concerning finds, including suspected crack cocaine and a further quantity of cannabis, significantly increasing the scale of the suspected drug operation.
Arrests and Charges
Three men were detained at the scene following the discoveries. The arrests were not without incident, as one individual became aggressive towards the attending officers during the detention process.
The individuals arrested include:
- A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A or B drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, and assault on a police officer.
- A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A or B drugs and having an offensive weapon.
- A 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A or B drugs and having an offensive weapon.
All three suspects remain in police custody for questioning as investigations continue. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed the details of the operation, stating that the arrests were made after officers acted upon the suspicious activity, leading to the recovery of drugs and a weapon.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of West Midlands Police to combat drug-related crime in the Dudley borough. The seizure of class A and B drugs, alongside a weapon, underscores the serious nature of the alleged offences and the potential risks to community safety that such operations aim to mitigate.
