A CHAINSAW-wielding policeman cut down the door of a suspected gang den during dawn raids in Rugby and Daventry.
Police released dramatic footage of one of a series of raids – part of Project Palladium, an investigation targeting ‘a serious organised crime group’ in Rugby.
Six men were arrested when more than 50 officers descended on five houses in Rugby and two in Daventry on Friday (August 3).
Police seized cocaine, heroin and cash from a house in St Andrew’s Crescent, Rugby.
Cannabis, a powder believed to be cocaine, cash and drug paraphernalia were found at houses in School Street, Coton Road, Patterdale, a second house in St Andrew’s Crescent, and two properties in Daventry.
Four men from Rugby, aged 30, 39, 50 and 61, and a 39-year-old man from Daventry were all arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. The 61-year-old has been released under investigation.
An 8-inch blade was seized at one of the houses on St Andrew’s Crescent. A 28-year-old man from Rugby was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
Detective Inspector Ruby Nailor said: “Project Palladium is targeting a serious organised crime group which we believe is involved in county lines drugs supply.
“This is a national problem where drugs come from large cities into smaller towns. Dealers target vulnerable people to carry and sell drugs on their behalf.”
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Goosen added: “Tackling serious organised crime is the top priority for Warwickshire Police.
“We have a clear message for anyone intent on committing organised crime; you are not welcome in Warwickshire and we will do everything in our power to disrupt your activity.”
Call police on 101 with information about drug dealing, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Watch the police video of the raid above.
