POLICE arrested a 22-year-old man from London after carrying out a drugs warrant in the town centre.

After receiving a tip-off about suspected drug-dealing and cuckooing at a Raleigh Avenue property, officers entered the address this morning and found three men inside.

They arrested one on suspicion of money laundering, being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of a class B drug, then took him to Gablecross Police Station for questioning.

A large knife was seized during the warrant.

PC Paul Bezzant said: “The man was found sitting with a large knife next to him – while this does not constitute an offence, it has been seized as circumstantial evidence to demonstrate the lifestyle of the subject.

“As a consequence of the Community Policing Team's involvement with the address, a Section 76 closure notice was placed on the address, which prohibits entry to the premises to anyone who is not the occupant. Breaching this notice as a criminal offence."

"This case shows the importance of the community reporting their concerns to us so we can take action to disrupt any illegal activity taking place."

A Swindon Magistrates Court hearing for the full order application will be held on Thursday at 10am.

Cuckooing refers to drug dealers taking over the homes of vulnerable people and using the address as a base to prepare drugs and oversee the running of their so-called businesses. The occupants are often vulnerable either through drug addiction, disabilities or mental health.