Suspected cannabis seized in Devon park

Police officers carried out a drugs operation following concerns from the community about the use of cannabis in a park in Bovey Tracey by juveniles and young adults.

Cannabis warnings were given to an 18-year-old man, from Exeter, and a 22-year-old man, from Totnes, at Mill Marsh Park on the evening of Wednesday 8 July.

Twelve people were stopped and searched in total throughout the evening and a quantity of suspected cannabis and paraphernalia were seized and disposed of.

Sergeant Mark Ruston, neighbourhood team leader for Chudleigh and Ashburton, said that his team were responding to previous evidence of cannabis use in the park and community intelligence.

Sergeant Ruston commented: “The team have been monitoring the antisocial behaviour (ASB) situation recently and found the use of cannabis and ASB were linked.

“Cannabis possession is an offence and use by young people is a concern especially when it affects their behaviour to the detriment of the community and their health.

“It remains a class B drug and we will continue to gather intelligence, target offenders in the chain of supply and use our powers of stop and search responsibly and effectively.”

This comes a week after two men were arrested in Tedburn St Mary, near Exeter, after a misuse of drugs warrant was executed at a property being used for suspected cannabis production. One man remains on bail while the other has been remanded in custody to appear again at Exeter Crown Court later in July.

Suspicious activity can be reported by emailing 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or calling 101. Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously via their online form on Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.