Plain-clothes officers make nightlife arrests in Preston city centre

A number of arrests were made in Preston city centre across the weekend as plain-clothed officers carried out operations in pubs and clubs.

Various substances were seized by a police drugs detection dog and arrests made after evidence of dealing and possessions of dangerous weapons.

The aim of the operation was to try to tackle drug use in the nightime economy, while also being aware of the spiking risk involved of some substances.

One male approached four plain-clothed officers and offered to sell them drugs. Following a search, drugs were found resulting in an arrest. Rasheed Rekawt, 21, of Gordon Street, Preston has since been charged with supplying a Class A drug. He was released on bail and will appear in court next month.

Another male was seen to show another male a weapon in his waist band which was seen by a plain clothed officer. He was stopped and arrested for carrying a knife in a public place. Luke Roberts, 27, of Tulketh Road, Preston has since been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded into custody and appeared in court this morning (1 July).

One male called his dealer while stood next to a plain clothed officer and when they met up less than five minutes later, they were quickly surrounded. They were searched and a stash of Class A drugs was found resulting in both being arrested.

Sergeant David Hargreaves, of Preston Task Force, said: “These operations are a proactive approach to targeting numerous aspects relating to drugs and organised crime in our city’s night time economy and the message is clear: you never know when you’re in the presence of a plain-clothed police officer.

“While we are actively pursuing and disrupting organised crime groups, we want people who take recreational drugs to know the risks of doing so and the impact it can have on themselves, the licensed premises and the community.”

Contact police on 101 or report anonymously via independent charity CrimeStoppers who can be reached on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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