DOZENS of people suspected of being involved with flooding an area of Barnsley with drugs have been charged by the police this year in what has been hailed as a huge leap forward in the disruption of supply lines, the Chronicle can reveal.
Significant inroads have been made in recent months with improving conviction rates, with particular successes in the Barnsley North East Neighbourhood Policing Team’s district which covers villages such as Cudworth, Grimethorpe, Monk Bretton, Royston and Shafton.
The police say a key part of the recent purple patch - which has seen dozens of stops and roadside checks carried out in the first months of 2025 - has been the public’s willingness to report those who they have suspicions about.
According to the police, more than £500,000 of drugs have been taken off the streets since the turn of the year in the area alone, while more than 30 people are awaiting sentencing on charges relating to drugs.
Inspector Richard Mangham told the Chronicle: “It’s important to emphasise that a lot of these arrests, charges and convictions could not have happened without the public’s help - they’re the ones who have really taken on what we’re trying to achieve with ridding drugs from our communities.
“A lot has been done with West Yorkshire Police, too, as we’re aware that given this area’s on-the-border location, many criminals do cross county lines.
“That joined-up working will continue and it’s something that’s still very much a priority for us.”
The latest breakthrough came just two weeks ago when eagle-eyed officers snared a 61-year-old woman who is suspected of being involved in a key supply chain.
Two PCs from the team were on patrol in a marked vehicle when they spotted a car being driven by someone who, through the use of local knowledge, was suspected of not having a licence.
The officers requested the driver to stop and upon a search of the vehicle a quantity of suspected class A drugs were found hidden in a modified deodorant can, alongside £1,000 worth of cash.
A search of the driver uncovered more suspected class A drugs and a further £1,000 in cash.
A search of her house nearby also revealed a further £10,000 in cash.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and has been released on police bail as enquiries continue.
Inspector Rebecca Richardson added: “We know drug-related crime is an issue within Barnsley, especially within the North East area, and we are fully committed to ensuring that we put those responsible behind bars.
“I want to make it very clear to anyone involved in drugs-related crime that they will be caught.
“We have no tolerance for drugs in our town, and thanks to our local communities who have made numerous reports to us in the last six months, we have been able to quickly take action.
“We know that we are stronger with our communities’ help and we want to ensure that the town is a safe place to live, work and visit.
“I encourage the residents of Barnsley to continue to tell us about the issues you are facing within your community.
“We will listen and we will continue to work hard to ensure more criminals are put behind bars.
“If you see your local officers out and about in your area, please do stop and speak to them if you have any concerns as they are there to help.
“You can also report to us on 101 or using our online portal on our website.”
