Task Force officers carry out plain-clothed operation in Preston's pubs and clubs

As thousands of people were enjoying their night out across Preston City Centre this weekend, officers from Preston Task Force were carrying out a plain-clothed operation in the pubs and clubs.

Their aim was to tackle drug use and abuse in the night time economy, and also crack down on substances that could be used for spiking offences. 

The weekend consisted of plain clothed officers, uniformed officers and police dog Zola.

There were a number of results across the weekend, including the following: 

• One male approached 4 plain clothed officers and offered to sell them drugs. Following a search, drugs were found resulting in an arrest. Rasheed Rekawt, 21, of Gordon Street, Preston has since been charged with supplying a Class A drug. He was released on bail and will appear in court next month.
• One male was seen to show another male a weapon in his waist band which was seen by a plain clothed officer. He was stopped and arrested for carrying a knife in a public place. Luke Roberts, 27, of Tulketh Road, Preston has since been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded into custody and appeared in court this morning.
• Person Screening Drugs Detection Dog Zola, was busy wandering through some pubs and bars, resulting in various substances being seized from a number of customers.
• One male called his dealer whilst stood next to a plain clothed officer and when they met up less than 5 minutes later, they were quickly surrounded. They were searched and a stash of Class A drugs was found resulting in both being arrested. 

Sergeant David Hargreaves, of Preston Task Force, said: “These operations are a proactive approach to targeting numerous aspects relating to drugs and organised crime in our city’s night time economy and the message is clear: you never know when you’re in the presence of a plain-clothed police officer” 

While we are actively pursuing and disrupting organised crime groups, we want people who take recreational drugs to know the risks of doing so and the impact it can have on themselves, the licensed premises and the community.” 

If you know someone who takes or sells recreational drugs or you have concerns about a licensed premises with an issue with drug use? Contact us on 101 or report anonymously via independent charity CrimeStoppers who can be reached on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.