Two arrested on suspicion of dealing 'zombie drug'

Two people have been arrested in Blackpool on suspicion of dealing the drug Spice.
Police have been cracking down on Spice use in BlackpoolPolice have been cracking down on Spice use in Blackpool
Police have been cracking down on Spice use in Blackpool

Around 9.30am on May 26, police received an allegation of a man dealing drugs in the Albert Road area.

Officers attended and a man was arrested at the scene.

A woman was later arrested at an address in Albert Road.

A quantity of what is believed to be Spice, also known as synthetic cannabis, was recovered.

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The pair were arrested following a joint operation between police and Blackpool Council CCTV operators.

Det Chief Insp Becky Smith, of Blackpool Police, said: “We have launched an investigation after two people were arrested in Blackpool on suspicion of drugs-related offences.

“Information was provided to police alleging a man had been seen coming and going from an address in Albert Road.

“Upon police arrival the male in question was stopped and arrested. A woman was also arrested a nearby address.

“A quantity of drugs, believed to be spice, was recovered.

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“Our advice to people remains that these substances are dangerous and if you take something which is not natural, the effects can be damaging."

The arrests come after a high profile operation in Blackpool targeting street drinking, begging and the use of Spice.

The Gazette joined officers on patrol and saw first hand the challenges as PCSOs from the Blackpool North neighbourhood team cared for two men who had collapsed, after taking a substance believed to be Spice.

Det Chief Insp Smith said such work would continue.

She said: “We have been working closely with partners within Blackpool Council and Blackpool BID to jointly address issues in the resort relating to anti-social behaviour, including the use of spice.

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“We recognise such behaviour can be concerning for residents and holidaymakers and are working with our partners, both supporting these individuals and taking enforcement action where appropriate.

"We are committed to keeping the town safe and will continue to do so.”

Tim Coglan, Service Manager for Public Protection at Blackpool Council, said: “Spice is an illegal and dangerous drug and the effects of taking it can be life-threatening. We are working with the police to share our intelligence around drug dealing to bring it to a stop where we can and help to keep the public safe.

“Our joint work in the town centre has been praised for providing compassionate help to those people who genuinely need it whilst being strong and carrying out enforcement on anybody who continually flouts the rules.

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“This arrest should provide reassurance to members of the public that we do not tolerate drugs or anti-social behaviour on our streets and are working together with the police to eradicate this kind of behaviour.”

A 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, both of no fixed abode, were released under investigation pending further enquiries.