OFFICERS executed a drugs warrant yesterday to expose a branch of a known gang that had been operating in West Swindon.

A 19-year-old man was arrested after half a kilogram of cannabis was found at a property in Castleton Road, Middleaze, during the raid, He has now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Three units descended on the address, along with sniffer dog Taco, after reports from residents in the area, coupled with local intelligence, led officers to apply for a warrant.

The door of the terraced property was broken in at 11.30am while members of the neighbourhood policing team covered all exits.

A single man was found at the address, who immediately admitted possession of cannabis.

Following a search of the property, large quantities of cannabis were found bagged up and hidden at various points around the house.

Half a kilogram of cannabis was unearthed altogether, along with a small amount of cocaine.

PC Gary Bracey, the community beat manager for West Swindon, led the raid as part of an ongoing effort to disrupt the drugs network in the area.

“We have executed a drugs warrant as part of a series of operations towards our ongoing drugs priority,” said PC Bracey.

“This was a property on Castleton Road, where we have been getting a few bits of local intelligence that a local drug gang is using the occupant of the address as a drug runner for them.

“This is about getting in their face to try to deter them from using this area for their trade.

“We had got five officers going out in three units, including the dog handling team.

“This will be the first time we have dealt with this particular person, but we are aware of his associates and have dealt with them in the past. They have been on our radar for quite some time.

“We have arrested a 19-year old male who was at the address at the time. He admitted to us on entry that there was a small amount of cannabis in the house.

“The dog has found quite a large amount of cannabis in various locations around the property, including a great deal of drugs paraphernalia.

“Just over half a kilo of cannabis was found, along with what we believe to be a small amount of cocaine.

“He has now been arrested for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, and possession of Class As.

“A lot of this was based on information received from residents in the area.

“We would urge anyone who has any suspicions about drug-related activity to contact us.”

Anyone with any information about the possession or supply of drugs in their area should contact Wiltshire Police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 anonymously.