Police drugs raids – four arrested

Two barber's shops, a vape shop and a residential block of flats have been searched as part of an ongoing police investigation into suspected drugs supply and money laundering in Lincoln. 

Officers carried out pre-planned warrants yesterday at Lincoln Barber Shop, Vape Express, and residential flats in High Street, as well as Toby's Barbers in St Benedict's Square just off High Street in the city centre.

Officers seized a number of mobile phones, cash, paperwork and a vehicle for their investigations, which formed part of a multi-disciplinary operation.

The warrants were executed on Wednesday this week and included the area’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, specialist search officers, police dog PD Oscar, intelligence units and detectives.

Teams from Lincolnshire Trading Standards also took part to investigate potentially illegal vapes and tobacco products – everything seized will be tested.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were also present checking on compliance and safety of the buildings and found areas of concern where the roof spaces from a commercial business had been knocked through to residential flats. If there was a fire, there would be nothing to stop it spreading.

Police have also safeguarded seven men believed to be working for less than minimum wage, and that information will be shared with HMIC for further investigation as needed. 

Four men aged 43, 44, 47, and 26, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply class A drugs and suspicion of money laundering and have been released under investigation.