Plain clothes Officers from the Erewash Crime Action Group who were out on patrol on Sunday 19th January took action after seeing a juvenile male acting suspiciously in Prince Street, Ilkeston.
After a foot chase, they were able to detain the male for the purpose of a stop search. The male was arrested after he was found to be in possession of a large machete with an 18 inch blade concealed in his trousers, along with quantity of suspected Class A drugs.
He has been charged with carrying a bladed article in a public place and bailed pending further enquiries.
The action comes just a few short weeks after the death of 18-year old Noah Smedley who was fatally stabbed in the town in late December.
PC Ramshaw from the Crime Action Group said: "We are continuing to work hard to target drug supply, the crime and anti-social behaviour associated with it and to keep our communities safe. Stop and search powers help the police to tackle crime. It's targeted, intelligence-led and practised on people who are suspected of being involved in crime. We will always look to develop any information we receive about possible illegal drug activity and investigate further when appropriate."
(Image of the knife seized in Ilkeston: credit: Derbyshire Police)