Crackdown leads to 30 arrests as police swoop on criminals in Rotherham

South Yorkshire Police said the arrests were in connection with drugs and driving offences, shoplifting, theft, burglary and assault. They followed three days of targeted action between January 23 and February 6 during which 16 drug searches also led to the seizure of amphetamine and cannabis.

Weapons and drugs were recovered from addresses in Swinton and two cannabis farms were dismantled.

Eight of those arrested have been charged. Two were cautioned for drugs offences, five were released while the others were bailed pending further inquiries.

Ins Matt Collings said: “This operation was weeks in the planning and I am extremely pleased that it has been such a resounding success.

“As well as resulting in the arrests and charges of wanted suspects, Operation Cobra has also led to the removal of drugs and dangerous weapons from the streets of Rotherham.

“Drugs are an absolute blight on society. They can, and do, ruin countless lives. Through this high-profile, targeted policing work, we have succeeded in dismantling cannabis farms and seizing other substances, including amphetamine.”