SIX people have been arrested today during a series of dawn raids, including Warrington, as part of Cheshire Police’s Operation Impact tackling organised crime and drug supply.
This was the second phase of a high-profile operation, targeting organised crime and illegal drugs.
A total of seven warrants were executed at properties in Runcorn, Widnes, Ellesmere Port, Winsford and Warrington.
This resulted in six arrests (five men and one woman) and all are currently in custody helping police with their enquiries.
Today’s early morning strike phase, which included a property in Longshaw Street, Warrington, follows on from a number of dawn raids two weeks ago in which 13 people were arrested and charged in connection with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Detective Inspector Giles Pierce, who is in charge of the operation, said: “The action taken today as part of Operation Impact is a result of a eight-month long investigation focusing on one organised crime gang and a number of individuals suspected of being involved in this type of crime.
“The strike phase this morning is the result of months of hard work and evidence and intelligence gathering by a dedicated team of officers.
“It follows on from a number of warrants that were executed in the Merseyside area a few weeks ago and forms part of a wider operation.
“The action taken by officers reinforces Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to proactively targeting, disrupting and dismantling those suspected of being involved in organised crime.”
Specialist officers were used to gain entry to the properties and officers are now carrying out detailed searches of all the addresses.
Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “The proactive approach taken by the Constabulary today is essential in providing reassurance to our communities that the issue of drugs and organised crime is being taken seriously and that residents have a police service committed to keeping them safe.
“I would like to thank all of the officers and staff involved in the operation for the dedication and commitment that they have shown and I would like to assure the people of Cheshire that this type of action will continue.”
DI Pierce added: “Information from the public is vital in the fight against drug related activity and I encourage anyone who has any information about organised crime or drug related activity in their community to come forward. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a police officer, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
