Police Operation in Bodmin Targets Drugs and Knives in Nightlife Hotspots

On the night of 24 May, Bodmin town centre saw a concentrated police effort to enhance public safety during a bustling bank holiday weekend.

The operation, led by local police teams in collaboration with Police Dog (PD) Skye, PC Steve Waters, the local authority premises licensing department, and representatives from the Security Industry Authority, aimed to combat the presence of drugs and knives in the area.

Proactive Measures to Ensure Safety

The “Pubs Against Drugs” (PAD) operation was a proactive measure involving both Police Officers (PCs) and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). Their mission was to detect and deter the presence of drugs and knives, ultimately safeguarding the community and supporting local licensed premises in enforcing the law. During the evening, the team visited three licensed premises within the town centre, utilising PD Skye to detect illegal substances.

PD Skye successfully identified multiple individuals suspected of being in contact with controlled substances. These individuals were subsequently searched by officers, leading to the discovery and seizure of a suspected controlled substance from one person. Sergeant Lee Holley noted the public’s positive reception of the operation, highlighting their understanding and support of the police’s efforts.

Knife Arch Deployment

Later in the evening, the operation saw the deployment of a mobile knife arch at one of the visited venues. This device, similar in appearance to a security scanner, was positioned at the entrance to detect any weapons. The knife arch can instantly identify metal objects, flashing red to indicate detection and green for a negative scan. Throughout the operation, no knives or weapons were found.

Sergeant Holley expressed satisfaction with the public’s cooperation, stating that venue customers were happy to pass through the arch, contributing to a safer environment. He emphasized the importance of these operations in fostering open conversations with the public and educating them on the risks associated with carrying drugs and knives.

Community and Business Support

Phil Turner, owner of Neon nightclub, expressed his club’s support for the police operation. He highlighted the value of the knife arch as a deterrent and mentioned plans to purchase one for future use. Turner also acknowledged the ongoing issue of drugs in the nightlife economy and praised the effectiveness of the drugs dog as a deterrent.

Sergeant Holley assured that similar operations would be carried out in the future to reinforce the message that drugs and knives are not tolerated in the community. He reiterated the police’s commitment to keeping the streets safe and free from crime.

Legal Consequences

The press release concluded with a reminder of the legal repercussions of carrying knives and drugs in the UK. Carrying most knives in public without good reason can lead to up to four years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. The penalties for carrying, taking, or supplying illegal drugs range from up to two years’ imprisonment for the possession of Class C drugs to life imprisonment and an unlimited fine for the supply and production of Class A drugs. For more information, the public is encouraged to visit the Government website.

This comprehensive operation underscores the ongoing efforts of Bodmin police and their partners to maintain a safe and crime-free community.