12 December 2023 , 08:07
1147
0
Armed police have raided a suspected drugs ring involving special forces soldiers.
Two SAS members and the wife of one of the soldiers were reportedly arrested during an operation at an isolated farm in Herefordshire where a suspicious substance was found and taken away for analysis. Military and civilian police were both involved in the raid that saw them first surround the remote location before moving in. The three people arrested were reportedly questioned and later bailed.
It is believed that the operation on November 30, involving armed officers from West Mercia Police and the Ministry of Defence, followed a tip-off and a lengthy surveillance period of two SAS soldiers. Locals near to the raided farm are believed to have been warned by police beforehand and there are unconfirmed reports that drones were used in the operation.
An SAS source told the Mail Online: "This has caused huge trouble on camp. If it is true, it basically means that SAS soldiers are getting involved in drug running and with criminal gangs. What would that say about their discipline? What would that say about the control the commanding officer of the regiment has over his men and who is allowed to serve in the SAS.
"For years they've turned a blind eye to all the lucrative moonlighting SAS troops get up to on their downtime. Finally, it would appear this complacency has slapped them in the face. They need to tighten up – the reputation of the SAS is being tarnished at the moment."
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
At least one of the SAS soldiers is allegedly very experienced and has been a member of the service for a decade. Sources have said that the operation has rocked other soldiers at the regiment’s Stirling Lines headquarters at Credenhill in Hertfordshire.
An MoD spokesman told the Mirror: "We are aware of an investigation, but it would be inappropriate to comment further." West Mercia Police have been approached for comment.
The incident comes as the SAS are involved in an inquiry over allegations of wrongful killings in Afghanistan. A hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice was told that from 2010 to 2013 as many as 80 unarmed Taliban suspects were shot dead by SAS soldiers while they were in custody. At the same time SAS chiefs have been alleged to have been “covering up” evidence to prevent the supposed shoot-to-kill strategy from being uncovered.