Police swoop and arrest drug dealers in Three Rivers, seizing £10k cocaine and machete

Yesterday (Wednesday 8 November), police executed five warrants in Highlands, South Oxhey, Three Rivers, and seized over £10,000 worth of cocaine. Two men, aged 20 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences.

The operation was led by the district’s Operation Scorpion team, and involved fifty police officers, two police dogs, and a drone.

A large quantity of cocaine was found and recovered, mostly located in the glove box of a vehicle. Among other items seized were several rounds of ammunition, a machete-style knife, multiple mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia were also seized.

Other teams from across the constabulary were also involved, including the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, Safer Neighbourhood Team, Operational Support Groups from Watford, St Albans, Hertsmere, Dacorum, and Welwyn Hatfield; the Three Rivers Safer Neighbourhood Team; officers from both the Watford and Hertford; the tri-force Operational Support Unit and tri-force Dog Unit.

A 20 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine), possession of class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of an offensive weapon (knife).

A 41 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

Both men from South Oxhey have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

PC Charlie Jones, from the Three Rivers Operation Scorpion team, said: “This is the latest operation in our continuing efforts to target and disrupt suspected class A drug dealers in our community, and is the result of a team effort between multiple departments across the constabulary.

“We understand that the residents of Highlands may have found our visit in the early hours unsettling, as we certainly were not quiet while we carried out our work, but I hope they are reassured by the action we have taken. We want it to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the violence and exploitation that is all too often associated with drug supply, and we promise to continue seeking out those involved and in turn, protecting the vulnerable.

“This police operation took months of meticulous planning, so it’s important for the public to know that if we don’t take immediately visible steps to tackle an issue, we are always listening and working on a solution behind the scenes.”