Monkey dust operation sees more than 30 arrests

More than 30 arrests and 25kg (55lb) of suspected monkey dust has been seized in Staffordshire following a police operation.

Vehicles, weapons and cash have also been confiscated as part of the six-month Operation Rivent, according to Staffordshire Police.

The focussed work led to 138 reports linked to monkey dust, a synthetic class B drug, in the county with "around 35 arrests" made in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford.

Supt Phil Bryan said: "Operation Rivent has generated positive outcomes through arrests, seizures, safeguarding and intelligence development."

He added: "We will continue our work to disrupt supply networks, safeguarding vulnerable individuals and reducing the harm associated with monkey dust across Staffordshire throughout the remainder of 2026."

The force also said "around 17 women and a number of children" had been protected as part of the operation.

In 2025, the owner of a pharmacy in Stoke-on-Trent called for more support for drug addicts following an incident in which staff had to restrain a monkey dust user in his shop.

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