Seven people have been sentenced for drug offences following one of the biggest operations in the county in recent years. Dorset Police pro-actively targeted street level drug dealers in the Boscombe area of Bournemouth where there was a suspicion that drugs offences were being committed.
A total of 41 people were arrested and 36 have been charged, following the extensive operation, known as Operation Moped, to tackle drug misuse in the town.
At Bournemouth Crown Court on 25 September and 26 September, seven of those charged were sentenced for drug offences.
Tracy Arbela, 42, from Bournemouth was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for supplying crack cocaine.
Georgia Nixon, 47, from Bournemouth received a two year suspended sentence for supplying heroin.
Peter Donnelly Andrews, 38, of Bournemouth, was sentenced to four years in prison for supplying heroin.
Corey Gudgeon, 33, from Bournemouth, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for supplying heroin and crack cocaine.
Danielle Roberts, 33, from Bournemouth, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for supplying heroin.
Billy Haynes, 19, of Christchurch, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for supplying heroin and crack cocaine.
A 17-year-old girl received conditional discharge for possession of controlled drugs.
Chris Weeks, Dorset Police Regeneration Inspector for Boscombe, said: “Crime and disorder is at a five year low, however, our communities tell us that on-street drug dealing and anti-social behaviour is a real day to day concern.
“We listened to the concerns of the community. Dorset Police investigated the community information provided and one of the results is the high number of arrests achieved through Operation Moped. The operation had a clear focus on on-street drug dealing. The individuals arrested for drug related crimes are being placed before the courts from today and over the coming weeks.
“We will not stop here. As part of our ongoing police work, day to day patrols will continue to listen to communities and will continue to keep the pressure on individuals involved in the drug trade.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone with concerns or information about such activities. Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101 in confidence.
“The message to anyone involved in on-street drug dealing remains – if you are drug dealing, it will not be tolerated and you will be arrested.”
Bournemouth Council Cabinet member for Partnerships and Regeneration, Cllr Jane Kelly, who represents Boscombe West, said: “We are very grateful for the effort the police have made in targeting these individuals and their success in bringing them to justice. We must continue to support the police to ensure we have more successful operations like this in the future.”
