Police search 85 people in drug crime crackdown

A WAR between rival drug gangs in two Sheffield suburbs led to armed police stopping and searching people on the streets.

Police patrolled Broomhall and Sharrow to try to prevent any further serious crimes following a spate of trouble in recent weeks.

Incident included the shooting of an 18-year-old man, who was blasted in his leg as he walked along William Street, Broomhall, last month.

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Police say this weekend's operation - the third of its kind in recent weeks - was to hunt out those carrying weapons and involved with drugs.

Officers stopped 85 people, arresting seven men and four women for drugs, carrying offensive weapons, and robbery.

Three were remanded in custody - a 46-year-old man charged with robbery and theft from a motor vehicle, a 44-year-old man charged with failing to appear at court, and a 37-year-old woman charged with possession of a Class A drug.

The other eight have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

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Chief Inspector Simon Verrall said police used stop and search powers to mount the operation.

He said: "It was a response to the police and public concern there is in the communities in relation to the amount of drug dealing going on and the use of weapons between two rival gangs.

"There were armed officers involved but we want to be clear about this - it was not because we thought members of the public are at risk, but to protect officers when dealing with people who were potentially carrying weapons.

"The operation has been positively received by law-abiding members of the public.

"The tactic is part of a larger plan to improve public safety in these areas."

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