VIDEO: Drug cops swoop on Swinton

PEOPLE wanted by police and the courts received a rude awakening yesterday as officers executed warrants across Rotherham as part of Operation Cobra.

The Advertiser joined police on the frontline as they carried out raids on several homes in a bid to bring known offenders to justice.

Nine people had been arrested by the time we went to press yesterday afternoon, with officers reporting that the custody suite at Main Street station was full of suspects arrested for drug offences, shoplifting, burglary and assault.

Supt Paul McCurry said it was a high impact operation which has taken six weeks’ planning.

Among those targeted were suspects thought to be involved in acquisitive crime — including theft, robbery, burglary, and drugs offences.

The Advertiser was granted access to an early-morning briefing at Main Street, where Supt McCurry told officers it had been a difficult year for Rotherham after some high profile incidents, including the sex attacks in Moorgate.

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He said: “Operation Cobra for me is about another push to see some more reductions in crime.

“The aim is to target criminals who are committing offences in Rotherham and bring them to justice at the earliest opportunity.”

Wednesday night had been a quiet one for the force, Supt McCurry said, but some residents were about to get a very loud, rude awakening from the 15-strong team.

The first two warrants were being executed in Swinton, including at one house where a battering ram was used to break down the door.

Screams of “Police with a warrant” roused the sleeping suspects, a 44-year-old woman and 31-year-old man, as officers filed in.

They were both arrested on drug offences after a quantity of mephedrone, known as MCat, was found.

Det Sgt Jamie Henderson said the operation was sending out a clear message that drugs were drugs, regardless of the quantity or class.

The next warrant to be executed was only a few doors down. Screams could be heard as police forced entry with the battering ram and found three women and one man in the property.

The police team recovered the remains of a cannabis plant and the second arrest of the morning was made.

The operation was due to continue well into last night and 12 suspected offenders and several warrants were on the day’s hitlist.

Supt McCurry added: “The police can’t do this alone, we need help from the public.

“I would urge them to contact the police via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can bring about successful prosecutions.”