Police operation in Plymouth leads to arrests, drug seizures, and road safety action

A proactive police operation targeting organised crime and road safety in Plymouth has resulted in multiple arrests, drug seizures, and enforcement action against driving offences.

Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police conducted a coordinated stop-check operation in the Stonehouse area, aiming to disrupt criminal activity and improve road safety. The operation, supported by multiple policing teams and partner agencies, led to:

Two arrests (men aged 18 and 39) for driving under the influence of drugs.

One arrest (a 43-year-old man) for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Three further arrests for drug-related offences, including:

A 46-year-old man suspected of supplying Class B drugs (cannabis).

A 39-year-old man suspected of possession of Class A drugs (heroin) with intent to supply.

Another man arrested for possession of Class B drugs (cannabis) with intent to supply.

In addition, 600 grams of cannabis was seized, and over 20 drivers received warnings for offences such as speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and failure to use correct child safety restraints. The DVLA conducted 21 vehicle inspections to ensure compliance with road safety standards.

Inspector Greg Bridget, who leads neighbourhood policing in Stonehouse, hailed the operation as a success.

“This was a really positive outcome, both for the police and for the safety of our community. Our goal was to disrupt drug-related crime and organised criminals in Plymouth and that’s exactly what we achieved. At the same time, we took meaningful action to make our roads safer,” he said.

“We want the public to know that we are being proactive. We are targeting drugs, pursuing criminals, and deterring those who cause harm. There is always more to be done, and we will continue to run operations like this at different locations, using various tactics to catch offenders and bring them to justice.”

Inspector Bridget also sent a clear message to those involved in organised crime and county lines drug activity: “These crimes will not be tolerated in our city. If you are involved, we will find you, and we will take action.”

The operation was part of a wider initiative to combat crime in the Stonehouse area and supports Devon & Cornwall Police’s ongoing efforts to reduce harm on the county’s road network.

Key road safety concerns include the ‘Fatal Five’ factors contributing to serious collisions:

Careless driving

Drink/drug driving

Failing to wear seatbelts

Using mobile phones or in-car distractions

Speeding

Offenders caught violating road laws may face fines, penalty points, court appearances, or imprisonment for serious offences.

The operation was supported by multiple police teams, including the Road Casualty Reduction Officers, Roads Policing Team, and Neighbourhood Support Team. Partner agencies involved included the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and Plymouth City Parking Enforcement.