Four arrested in connection with drug offences

Four people have been arrested as part of efforts to investigate child exploitation and the supply of drugs in Staffordshire.

Police said they carried out searches at four different addresses on Wednesday morning in Kidsgrove, as well as in Milton and Norton, Stoke-on-Trent.

They seized drugs, mobile phones, a weapon and cash, they added.

Police said three men, aged 22, 25 and 28, from the Kidsgrove area, as well as a 23-year-old man from the Stoke-on-Trent area, were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A and Class B drugs.

The four people who were arrested remain in custody as enquiries continue, the force said.

"This morning's activity sends out a clear message that those involved in child criminal exploitation are not welcome in Staffordshire and we're working 24/7 to stop them," said Det Sgt Jon Tench.

"We're working with our partner agencies to put the right safeguarding measures in place to shield them from those trying to do them harm, continuing to act against those responsible and support victims."

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