Hull: Two charged with drugs offences and two more arrested

Two men have been charged with drugs offences and another two arrested as part of Humberside Police’s ongoing work to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Hull city centre.

All four were arrested by plain clothes officers working in the Jameson Street area, who were focusing on those believed to be involved with drug related crime.

Joshua Smith, 23, of Morpeth Street, Hull, appeared before Hull Magistrates Court yesterday, charged with possession of a knife and possession of heroin with intent to supply.

Philip Matthews, 39, of no fixed abode, appeared before the same court on Friday, September 20, charged with possession of Spice.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a drug other than a Class A and a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

Both have been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

These latest arrests come on the back of the 400 arrests and 700 dispersal orders already made in this area.

And Inspector Julian Hart said that these were not the only tactics being used to address the issue.

He said: “We have set up a new city centre group with all our local partners which will collectively help us to improve the centre for businesses, traders, shoppers and residents.

“A lot of work is going on behind the scenes, particularly in relation to being in a position to impose several criminal behaviour orders on individuals who we know are causing the most trouble.

“We are putting the evidence together, and working with the CPS and our own legal teams around this. That work doesn’t always manifest itself so quickly but it’s just one of the many things we’re doing.

“My officers are committed to improving the city centre. I’m committed to improving the city centre.

“That’s why we’re doing what we’re doing for the best outcome for everyone.

“Always report anything to us first that you might be concerned about so we can help, and further problem solve to continue to make things better in the long term.”

If you have information you believe could assist us, please call our non-emergency 101 line or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.