Machete and axe found in Special Ops drug dealing crackdown arrest Watford Man

On March 2nd, the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) conducted an operation in Hertfordshire, resulting in the arrest of a 21-year-old man from Watford on suspicion of drug dealing.

ERSOU officers, with the support of Hertfordshire Constabulary, carried out warrants at two residential addresses in the Holywell area of Watford.

During the search, an axe, machete, and suspected burner phones were seized.

ERSOU detectives also seized £400 in cash and a suspected drugs line mobile phone from the suspect and he was taken into police custody for further questioning.

The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into drug dealing in Watford and the surrounding areas. Section 60 was put in place just days before.

Detective Inspector Mike Birch, from ERSOU’s Operational Crime Team, stated that the unit’s enquiries are ongoing.

“Drug-related activity is intrinsically linked to gang violence and the exploitation of young and vulnerable people and causes significant harm within our communities. That’s why we’ll continue to target those responsible for bringing these substances into our region.

“Today’s work is an excellent example of partnership working by both our teams within ERSOU and colleagues in Hertfordshire Constabulary, and demonstrates our commitment to tackling those thought to be responsible for selling drugs in the area.”

Member of Parliament for Watford Dean Russell, who joined officers on the warrants, said: “The link between drugs and gangs is very clear, and I wholeheartedly support the police in their efforts to get drugs off of our streets, and offenders prosecuted.

“Gang members carelessly employ various techniques to entice young people to engage in criminal activity and I am pleased that our local police are working effectively and tirelessly to stop this happening.”

Anyone with information about the supply of drugs is urged to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary via the non-emergency number 101, by reporting information online. Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form.