Police react to Operation Rouse sentencing
THAMES Valley Police officers have given their reaction to sentencing which has seen 26 offenders jailed for a combined total of 56 years.
The sentences come after successful operations made during two major operation in December last year.
Following the sentencing hearings, Detective Inspector Suzette Allcorn, of Milton Keynes CID, said: “I am pleased with the sentences given out this week. All these defendants were arrested as part of a major operation targeting those who supply class A drugs in Milton Keynes.
“The operation was the result of months of investigative work and careful planning, involving a dedicated team of officers. The strike phase of the operation saw warrants being executed at addresses across Milton Keynes, London and Northampton.
“Following two early morning raids in December, a total of 51 people were arrested and weapons, large quantities of drugs and money were recovered.
“Drugs cause untold misery, ruin lives and they fuel other crimes such as burglary and theft. Bringing to justice those who deal and use drugs is a priority for us and the conviction of these 26 people will significantly dent the activities and ambitions of those involved.
“The operation was a great success and I believe we have sent out a message loud and clear that we will not tolerate drugs in our communities and are determined to dismantle the criminal networks of those dealing in class A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.
“The investigation is ongoing and there are people who remain on bail in connection with this operation.
“I would urge the public to continue helping us in the fight against drugs and report any suspicious activity to police through the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101.”
Detective Superintendent Barry Halliday, the Milton Keynes Local Police Area Commander, said: “Drugs are a problem that the Thames Valley Police take very seriously. The impact of drug use and drug dealing has wide-reaching implications on communities because drug users have to find ways to fund their habits and as a consequence often commit burglaries, robberies and thefts. It is these types of operations which have a direct impact on reducing such crimes and ensuring those who cause misery to others find themselves serving long sentences in prison.
“I welcome the sentences handed down by the court this week. These sentences highlight the outcome for anyone who becomes involved in the trade of drugs and other associated criminal activity.”
Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Baljit Ubhey OBE said: “The impact on communities of this high level drug dealing is immense. Drugs can ruin the lives of those who use them and damage the lives of law abiding citizens who become the victims of crimes committed to fund drug habits. Since the arrests of these defendants the police have reported a noticeable drop in crime in two of the favoured drug dealing areas. The defendants were motivated by money and the need to fund their own drug habit, without a care for the misery their actions were causing to the lives of others.
“Thanks to a dedicated and detailed police investigation, followed by a robust prosecution, a substantial quantity of Class A drugs have been removed from the supply chain, these big time criminals have been removed from society, and the public has been made safe from their dangerous, harmful, and life destroying activities.
“This case sends out a clear message that the CPS and the police take these offences very seriously and anyone involved in arranging or participating in drug dealing can expect to be prosecuted robustly. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that persons involved in this kind of criminality are brought to justice.”
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Sunday 19 May 2013
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