£40k worth of drugs, a samurai sword and stolen goods seized from suspected drug factory

Officers from Swindon South CPT, the Community Tasking Team and dog section executed a drugs warrant in Eldene on Wednesday (13/11) evening.

Once inside the address in Bowleymead, officers found evidence to suggest drugs were being prepared ready to supply and a package was seen to be thrown from a bedroom window. This package was recovered and contained a large quantity of suspected class A drugs. 

At the time of entry there were three children in the property – safeguarding measures have now been put in place for all three.  

Officers searched the address and recovered further quantities of suspected class A drugs and a large amount of suspected stolen property. A number of knives and a large samurai sword were also removed from the property.

It is estimated that the total amount of drugs seized has a street value of approximately £40,000 while the stolen goods are believed to be worth £1,500.

Two women, aged 33 and 46, and three males, aged 17, 18, and 19, all from the local area, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. 

They are currently in custody at Gablecross for further questioning. 

A partial closure notice is currently in place with officers attending court today (14/11) to obtain a closure order which will prevent anyone other than the tenant from gaining access. 

Sgt David Tippetts said: “The seizures and arrests from this warrant are testament to the hard work that has gone into the ongoing issue of drug supply and associated crime in Eldene. This is a significant result and the application of a closure order will allow us to manage this property with our partners moving forward.”

Community Coordinator Phil Day said: “Eldene has experienced the impact of local drug dealing and the associated anti-social behaviour for some time. This has been something that Swindon officers have been working hard to target. 

“We hope that yesterday’s result will reassure the community that we continue to target this matter. We cannot be successful without the ongoing support from local residents and partner agencies. Therefore, we continue to urge the local community to report any suspicious activity or concerns from within the Eldene area, and indeed anywhere across Swindon, via 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”