Officers seize Class A and B drugs during patrols responding to community concerns
Drugs have been seized, and community resolutions have been issued after a series of proactive patrols targeting anti-social behaviour (ASB) and drug activity in Stone and nearby Barlaston.
On Tuesday 8th April 2025, officers carried out stop-searches in known hot spot areas following intelligence gathered by Police Community Support Officer Megan Roger, who had identified places where residents were reporting issues with drug use and disruption.
In Stone, officers found cannabis on two individuals during stop-searches on Willow Road and Ash Road.
Later in Barlaston, further searches were carried out on Wedgwood Drive. Five people and four vehicles were checked, leading to the discovery and seizure of cannabis, cocaine, and nitrous oxide.
Two community resolutions were issued, and Staffordshire Police say that intelligence gathering in both areas is ongoing.
Residents had raised concerns about drug use taking place near their homes, with some reporting they no longer felt comfortable opening their windows because of the strong smell of cannabis.
Sergeant Claire Goodridge from Stone’s local policing team said:
“We will continue to act on any reports of ASB and drug use that are having a negative impact on the quality of life of our local communities, which is what we have done here.
This kind of unreasonable behaviour has no place in the towns, villages and cities of Staffordshire.
We will do everything in our power to make sure that everyone who lives, works, or visits can benefit from a safe and pleasant environment.”
Sergeant Goodridge confirmed that community protection notice warnings (CPWs) will be issued, banning some individuals from entering Barlaston. Proactive patrols will also continue in both locations.
Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour or drug use is urged to report it by calling 101 or using the Live Chat on the Staffordshire Police website. For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, always call 999.
