5.24 AM Thursday 09 September 2010

Local community fights drug dealing

Members of the public in Poole worked together with their Safer Neighbourhood Team to tackle drug problems in their neighbourhood.

On 30 April 2009, the Poole Town and Oakdale Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) reacted to information given by local residents and conducted a misuse of drugs warrant in the Skinner Street area.

Local residents, not prepared to tolerate the supply of drugs in their area, had contacted their SNT about the problem.

The SNT officers worked together with local members of the public to gather information leading to the issue of the drugs warrant.

Over 30 ounces of cannabis were located within the premises.

As a result, 43-year old William Wilkie was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply and later charged.

William Wilkie attended Dorchester Crown Court on 14 July 2010 and pleaded guilty to the charge.

He is due to be sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 9 August 2010.

Police Constable Tony Dunkerley, from the Poole Town and Oakdale SNT, said: “Dealing with drug use and supply is a priority for Poole Town and Oakdale Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“This is a fantastic result not only for the Safer Neighbourhood Team, but mainly for the local residents who refused to put up with any drug activity in their community.”