Quinton crack house shut down by gang crime police (From Halesowen News)

Quinton crack house shut down by gang crime police

10:47am Monday 6th August 2012 in News

A Quinton crack house was raided this morning as part of a special police operation to rid the streets of gang crime.

Officers from the Gang Task Force carried out a warrant on a cafe on Court Oak Road which was being used as a crack house, following complaints of drug dealing.

They have closed the premises.

They also raided a house on West Boulevard, Quinton, and arrested a 22-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of possessing of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

The Gang Task Force was set up at the start of the year and aims to shut down approximately 23 street gangs which are operating across the West Midlands.

Its 35 officers have arrested 120 people, searched more than 60 premises, recovering six firearms and thousands of pounds in crime monies and Class A drugs.

It aims to provide a visible presence across the force to deal with gangs and engage with youngsters to promote an alternative to gang membership.

As well as intervention work the task force carries out enforcement warrants and arrests.

DCI Simon Wallis said: "West Midlands Police is committed to tackling gang-related criminality as well as reducing the number of young people becoming involved in gang culture and carrying weapons."