Teaming up to tackle drug dealing and protect vulnerable Gateshead residents
Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police are tackling illegal drug supply and its corrosive knock-on effects with a unique new operation.
We're joining forces with Neighbourhood officers to share data, intelligence and vital information as part of a targeted push to reduce drug deaths in the borough - and to clamp down on those supplying harmful substances.
Known as Operation Redrock, the work builds on the extensive partnership already in place between Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police, with the aim of helping vulnerable drug users escape their addictions.
The work sees additional patrols carried out to arrest offenders, seize phones and shut down deal lines.
Behind the scenes, the teams also share information and work with landlords, Licensing teams, and health workers to identify anyone at risk of exploitation or in need of intervention and support.
And since its inception in June last year, the team have executed 20 warrants, arrested 25 people, seized drugs worth more £15,000 of cocaine and cannabis as well as recovering a range of MDMA and Diazepam tablets.
Officers have also recovered three stolen vehicles and a number of weapons including a crossbow, taser and a machete.
Report issues online (opens new window)
Speaking about the continued efforts of his team, Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Ashurst said: "We are working hard to ensure that our communities are protected from the harm caused by organised criminals trying to use their neighbourhoods to sell illegal, harmful drugs, and exploit vulnerable drug users.
"Illicit substances put people's lives at risk which is why we are committed to dismantling the crime groups behind the sale and distribution, as well as working with our partners to ensure those trapped in addiction are offered the support they deserve.
"By working with our partners and sharing information and intelligence, we can ensure we are ready to act, making arrests and executing warrants as well as offering that vital help and support the community needs.
"It's also vital the public continue to support us and help us by sharing information and reporting anything suspicious or anything that doesn't look right. So far we've had a great response from the public, who do not want this type of crime on their doorstep."
Councillor Angela Douglas, chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Partnership, added: "We know that drug and alcohol issues impact individuals, their families and our communities leading to an increase in inequalities.
"Tackling those supplying and profiting from drugs is a key element in our efforts to reduce drug related harm, alongside the support delivered by our local treatment and recovery services. Recent additional investment in substance misuse services has been greatly needed and welcomed. This allows us to focus tailored support to our most vulnerable residents who are caught up in the cycle of addiction to enable them to recover and live to their full potential."
To report anything suspicious, please call Northumbria Police on 101, or report it online (opens new window). You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who needs support with issues related to drugs can get help by visiting Gateshead Evolve (opens new window).
Image: Northumbria Police
Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police are tackling illegal drug supply and its corrosive knock-on effects with a unique new operation.
We're joining forces with Neighbourhood officers to share data, intelligence and vital information as part of a targeted push to reduce drug deaths in the borough - and to clamp down on those supplying harmful substances.
Known as Operation Redrock, the work builds on the extensive partnership already in place between Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police, with the aim of helping vulnerable drug users escape their addictions.
The work sees additional patrols carried out to arrest offenders, seize phones and shut down deal lines.
Behind the scenes, the teams also share information and work with landlords, Licensing teams, and health workers to identify anyone at risk of exploitation or in need of intervention and support.
And since its inception in June last year, the team have executed 20 warrants, arrested 25 people, seized drugs worth more £15,000 of cocaine and cannabis as well as recovering a range of MDMA and Diazepam tablets.
Officers have also recovered three stolen vehicles and a number of weapons including a crossbow, taser and a machete.
Report issues online (opens new window)
Speaking about the continued efforts of his team, Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Ashurst said: "We are working hard to ensure that our communities are protected from the harm caused by organised criminals trying to use their neighbourhoods to sell illegal, harmful drugs, and exploit vulnerable drug users.
"Illicit substances put people's lives at risk which is why we are committed to dismantling the crime groups behind the sale and distribution, as well as working with our partners to ensure those trapped in addiction are offered the support they deserve.
"By working with our partners and sharing information and intelligence, we can ensure we are ready to act, making arrests and executing warrants as well as offering that vital help and support the community needs.
"It's also vital the public continue to support us and help us by sharing information and reporting anything suspicious or anything that doesn't look right. So far we've had a great response from the public, who do not want this type of crime on their doorstep."
Councillor Angela Douglas, chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Partnership, added: "We know that drug and alcohol issues impact individuals, their families and our communities leading to an increase in inequalities.
"Tackling those supplying and profiting from drugs is a key element in our efforts to reduce drug related harm, alongside the support delivered by our local treatment and recovery services. Recent additional investment in substance misuse services has been greatly needed and welcomed. This allows us to focus tailored support to our most vulnerable residents who are caught up in the cycle of addiction to enable them to recover and live to their full potential."
To report anything suspicious, please call Northumbria Police on 101, or report it online (opens new window). You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who needs support with issues related to drugs can get help by visiting Gateshead Evolve (opens new window).
Image: Northumbria Police
