Dozens arrested in West Midlands Police operation targeting major crime
Operation Advance takes place every month and covers a different part of the West Midlands, or a different type of crime, each time
A focused effort by the West Midlands Police has led to the arrest of 36 people during an intensive policing action dubbed Operation Advance.
The operation, which took place in locations including Coventry, included a series of enforcement activities targeting drug dealers, suspects wanted for sexual offences, and individuals carrying weapons.
The initiative is part of a monthly operation that focuses on different areas of the West Midlands or different types of crime each time.
The enforcement began with early morning search warrants and carried on through the day into the night.
The operation was further strengthened by collaborative support from partners such as Safer Travel, National Express, and Trading Standards.
A vast array of offences were addressed, including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, sexual assault, fraud, and assisting an offender.
Throughout the day, six vehicles were seized for having no insurance, and 18 penalties were issued to drivers for various offences.
The RASSO team visited several addresses across the Black Country, Coventry, and Birmingham, resulting in multiple arrests.
In Erdington, the Op Fearless team collaborated with Trading Standards to carry out business inspections, leading to a man's arrest for immigration offences and a £40,000 fine for the business.
The police also confiscated thousands of pounds’ worth of illegal goods, including cigarettes and vapes.
High-visibility patrols conducted by Mounted officers and police dogs were a key part of the day's activities.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole of the Major Crime Unit said, "Yesterday's intensive policing operation was a success that resulted in drugs lines being dismantled, multiple offenders arrested and positive conversations with community members as we work to act on their concerns.
"While we bolstered by resources yesterday, our work across the force area continues 24 hours a day and includes plain clothes patrols and tactics that might not be as obvious as Operation Advance, but help keep people safe."
He assured that while yesterday saw bolstered efforts, their work continues across the force area 24 hours a day, employing both visible and plain clothes patrols to keep communities safe.