Rotherham police make 14 arrests during Operation Duxford day

The targeted day of action on Wednesday involved key partners including the Home Office and the Department for Work and Pensions and has so far led to 14 people being arrested for a range of offences, including cannabis production, assault, domestic abuse and immigration breaches.

The execution of a drugs warrant at an address in Rotherham town centre saw police seize large batches of prescription drugs and cannabis plants, alongside weapons, vapes and steroids.

A force spokesperson said: “It is believed these narcotics were set to be offered and potentially sold to drug users in the local area."

This week's Duxford was focused on tackling vulnerability and modern slavery and saw six hand car washes visited as part of Operation Bubbles - the force’s dedicated approach to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking – with six arrested for immigration offences and ten people safeguarded and offered support as potential vulnerable victims of exploitation.

A vulnerable man in his 30s was also found sleeping rough in a shed on a premises, with support offered and safeguarding checks carried out for his welfare.

The motorcycle and rural crime team also seized bikes and a quad bike following a ten-hour patrol of streets and estates across the district.

Insp Liam Walters, who led the operation, said police had seen “some really encouraging results.”

“We often find that drug supply has links to organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children,” he said.

“With our warrants in Rotherham, we have been able to seize and destroy a large quantity of drugs which disrupts the activities of organised crime groups and helps to protect communities from harm as organised crime often feeds into firearms offences, serious assaults, modern slavery and immigration crime.”

Det Chf Insp Anna Sedgwick, who led Operation Bubbles, said: “We will continue to dedicate resources to tackling the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking and ensuring victims have a voice and that they are offered the appropriate support, advice and safeguarding.”