COCAINE worth up to £10,000 was seized after a huge drugs raid on a pub and three homes in Gloucester.
More than 40 officers struck simultaneously at The Regal pub and homes in Matson and Kingsholm and arrested four people believed to be pedalling cocaine and party drug Mephedrone, better known as meow meow. Concerns were raised by bosses at the Wetherspoons pub two months ago and, after a tip off, officers had identified eight possible suspects.
At The Regal, in King's Square, undercover officers, CCTV and dogs were used as part of the raid on the pub. Two men were brought out in handcuffs just before 10pm. One was searched and then released without charge.
Police also raided properties in Badminton Road and Penhill Road, Matson, and St Mark Street, Gloucester.
They found drugs, believed to be cocaine worth £10,000, at one property.
One was found with what was thought to be meow meow, amphetamines and Viagra with a combined street value of £100. Power tools and £1,500 cash were also found. A 28-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, a 31-year-old woman and 42-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
All four have been bailed to return to Gloucester police station on June 26.
Sergeant Gary Chandler headed the operation and said: "We have seized property and what is believed to be drugs.
"They will be tested and a wider operation will now take place. I'm very pleased with the result. Thanks to the help of the pub the intelligence was good and we have had some arrests.
"It sends out a message that if you want to come into the city centre and do these sorts of things we will come and deal with you by any means necessary.
"Open drug dealing, or drug dealing of any kind will not be tolerated in the city."
Chief Inspector for Gloucester Richard Burge said Gloucester was 'no worse' than any other city for drug dealing.
He said:"We're pleased licensed premises have the confidence to come forward and report it to us and if anyone has any information about drug dealing in the city they should get in touch with us."
The manager of The Regal was unavailable for comment.
