Drugs seized and one man arrested as officers target serious crime on busy Stapleton Road

A major crime operation on Stapleton Road in Bristol has led to the seizure of drugs and the arrest of a suspected dealer during a high intensity sweep involving several agencies. The day long action brought together police officers, trading standards staff, tax investigators, benefits officials and immigration teams in a coordinated effort to disrupt organised criminal activity on one of the citys busiest high streets.

The operation took place on Thursday 30 October and formed part of Operation Machinize, a national campaign led by the National Crime Agency. The initiative focuses on high street businesses that handle significant amounts of cash and may be exploited by serious organised crime groups. Officers visited a series of premises in Easton where they carried out inspections, gathered intelligence and searched for signs of illegal activity.

During the sweep officers discovered an amount of drugs and arrested a man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug. Officers also seized a quantity of cannabis. The suspect has since been released while enquiries continue. Police said the arrest demonstrates that organised crime groups cannot operate on local high streets without being challenged by law enforcement.

Detective Inspector Scott Chadwick described the day of action as a clear demonstration of the commitment of officers and partner agencies to protect communities. He said the public expect organised crime to be taken seriously and that the joint approach used in this operation sends a strong message to anyone involved in criminality.

He explained that concerns had been growing among residents about certain businesses in the area. Some people reported that particular premises including barber shops might be linked to criminal activity. He added that community information plays a vital role in allowing the police to plan targeted operations and that the support of residents had been invaluable.

Officers also discovered an establishment selling alcohol without the correct licence. This information has now been shared with the relevant licensing authority. In addition, two individuals were dealt with for immigration related matters following checks carried out alongside the other activity.

Rachael Herbert, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre, said Operation Machinize aims to stop criminal groups from using high street businesses as a front for a wide range of offences. She said these criminal networks damage communities by undermining legitimate businesses and creating unsafe environments.

She added that the latest phase of the operation shows what can be achieved when agencies across the United Kingdom act together. Thousands of officers have been deployed across the country to target criminal profits, seize illegal products and freeze suspicious assets. She reported that more than ten million pounds in cash and assets has already been recovered under the wider operation.

According to Ms Herbert removing the financial foundations of organised crime has a real and lasting impact. Criminals lose the money they rely on to fund further offending and find it harder to establish themselves in local high streets. She said the results in Bristol show the determination of law enforcement to safeguard communities and support local businesses that operate legitimately.

Police hope the operation will reassure residents that criminal activity on Stapleton Road is being actively challenged and that further action will follow if required. Officers are urging the public to continue reporting suspicious behaviour, stressing that information from local people remains essential in building future cases and planning further targeted operations.