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Dear Resident, Officers from the Wakefield Central NPT (East) have delivered a decisive blow to suspected drug activity in College Grove following targeted community intelligence.
On 23rd February 2026, uniformed and plain-clothed officers executed Operation Middletre, an overt and covert policing initiative designed to disrupt drug supply and protect local residents from the harm associated with organised criminality.
Acting on information provided by the community, officers identified a vehicle driving erratically through the College Grove area before it made its way towards Wakefield Bus Station. The vehicle was swiftly located and stopped.
Two males were detained under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Searches of the vehicle uncovered suspected controlled drugs, including crack cocaine (Class A) and synthetic cannabinoid “spice” (Class B). Both individuals were arrested by PCs Pickering and PC Ches on suspicion of Possession with Intent to Supply Class A and Class B drugs.
During the operation, PCs Gleeson & Craig identified a third male who had separated himself from the vehicle. Further enquiries revealed he was wanted in connection with a theft from a shop in the Ossett area, where approximately £300 worth of goods had been stolen. He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
Inspector Paul Fraser, Wakefield Central NPT said: “Operation Middletre is a clear example of neighbourhood policing in action — intelligence-led, community-focused, and uncompromising in its approach to criminality.
The information that led to these arrests came from local residents. That partnership is vital.
Drug supply fuels exploitation, acquisitive crime, and violence. By targeting those involved in distribution, officers are not only removing harmful substances from our streets but also disrupting the wider criminal networks that impact families, businesses, and young people across Wakefield.
Wakefield Central NPT will continue high-visibility patrols and targeted operations in areas where concerns are raised. Anyone with information about drug activity or other crime is encouraged to report it via 101, online https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Together, we are keeping Wakefield safe”.
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