FIVE people from Swindon were arrested by police as part of a crackdown on those involved in illegal drug supplying.

At Buckhurst Recreation Ground in Walcot an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B drug with intent to supply and has since been released under investigation. One of the 16-year-olds received a youth caution for possession of cannabis, while the other has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and is due in Swindon Magistrates Court on January 15.

Meanwhile, in Eldene, officers stopped two males and arrested them for drug offences. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article - he has been released under investigation while enquiries continue. A17-year-old man was arrested and cautioned for possession of cannabis.

The Community Tasking Team alongside PCSOs from Eldene, Walcot, Liden and Park North have been involved in the latest stage of Operation Repose, which has seen them targeting those involved in the supply of drugs and those who recruit children to supply drugs on their behalf.

Wiltshire Police has been successful in these areas in the past as well as the Pinehurst area.

PCSO Phil Day, community coordinator for Swindon South, said: “These two days of activity focused on specific areas across East Swindon. On Wednesday, members of the public may have been able to see plain clothes police officers being robust in their efforts to stop criminal behaviour such as drug dealing and carrying dangerous weapons. Our proactive work is very much influenced by feedback and intelligence from members of public and we will continue to target these areas and robustly deal with any offences that come to our attention.

“If you have any information in relation to criminal activity in your area, please do let us know via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

Detective Sergeant Alex Spargo, of the Community Tasking Team, added: “Police will continue to target those that supply drugs in our communities and especially those that utilise children or young adults to do so on their behalf. I would like to remind those involved in this kind of criminality that police will deal with you swiftly and robustly and evidence will be passed on to the courts.”

Report information to 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.