LevellerLive

Avon & Somerset Police today arrested 23 people and executed 15 search warrants in relation to drug supply in Taunton. Weapons and drugs were seized at many of the properties and those arrested were taken to Bridgwater Police Centre.

Several of today’s warrants were executed at a property run by Taunton Association for the homeless. Chief Executive Justin Roxburgh said: “Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH) are in full support of the recent operation conducted by Avon and Somerset Police. TAH does not in any way permit the use of drugs in any of our premises. Our main priority is to keep our clients safe and protect them against any harm that may arise from taking illegal substances. Lives are being ruined or even lost. Unfortunately it is our most vulnerable clients who are targeted by ruthless drug dealers. This Police action sends a strong message to these people that their actions will not be tolerated. We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their continued support.”

C/Insp Lisa Simpson, who heads up policing for West Somerset, told us that “Today wasn’t just about taking drug dealers off the street; more importantly it was about protecting vulnerable people who are exploited due to debt, addiction, mental health problems or other issues that make them an easy target. We won’t tolerate it. Dealers identify and then use vulnerable people in our communities – whether that’s to use their home as a base or for transporting drugs; it can have a huge impact on those individuals who often end up homeless, in the justice system and with drug debt and addiction. We want to prevent that.”