'They've come here to exploit others': Officers make eight arrests in major Bedford drug bust
Police in Bedfordshire swooped on two blocks of flats early this morning in a move to protect vulnerable residents, including children, from being used by drug dealers.
Months of planning went into the operation, which police say has been a major success. Officers arrested eight people and seized what they believe to be Class A drugs, cash, knives and a samurai sword.
Bodycam footage shows the moment police, armed with tasers, raided the two flats in Bedford's Chandros Court. Minutes later those arrested are led out in handcuffs and into the waiting police vans.
Police say the drugs and crimes associated with those arrested have blighted the lives of other people living here, 80% of whom are classed as vulnerable.
The flats are operated by a housing association. Staff had become concerned that vulnerable residents were being bullied into allowing county lines dealers to use their homes - a practice known as cuckooing. It can bring violence, intimidation and anti-social behaviour with it.
To make sure this can't happen again, Bedfordshire police are, for the first time, applying for a partial closure order covering the whole block. It means the flats will remain closed to all but residents, their family and carers. The closure will run for three months and can be renewed. It's hoped it'll prevent the homes being taken over and used for illegal activity in the future.