UPDATED: NEARLY 30 people have been arrested so far following a series of dawn raids in the Warrington area in Cheshire police’s fight against organised crime and illegal drugs.
A total of 28 people have been arrested as part of a high-profile operation which targeted more than 30 addresses mainly in the Warrington area.
As reported earlier on warrington-worldwide more than 300 officers from Cheshire Constabulary made an impact across Warrington during the early morning strike phase.
A total of 32 addresses were targeted in total. The majority were in Warrington – in the town centre, Poplars and Orford areas of the town along with 9 addresses in Merseyside and 1 in St Helens. Officers from Merseyside Police provided assistance across the border.
Those arrested were on suspicion of Class A (Heroin and Crack Cocaine) drugs offences – they are currently all in custody helping police with their enquiries.
Specialist officers were used to gain entry to the properties and officers, who are experts in search techniques, are now carrying out detailed inspections of all the addresses.
The warrants were executed following a dawn briefing in which Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts acknowledged the work undertaken as part of the operation and reinforced the Constabulary’s commitment to tackling organised crime.
Assistant Chief Constable Roberts said: “Cheshire Constabulary is continuing to make its mark – the strike phase today has been one of the biggest for the force. There is no place in Cheshire for organised crime and we want to get the message across loud and clear that if you come into Cheshire to commit crime you will be targeted, located and positive action will be taken.
“One of our key commitments is that we are here for the local community – and operations such as this underpin that commitment for the people of Cheshire. It also reflects how closely we work in partnership with other forces and organisations to ensure that together we bring those responsible for this type of crime to justice.”
Operation Impact continues to go from strength to strength and has recently seen the conclusion of a high-profile case in Macclesfield in which 39 people, who were involved in supplying drugs in the town, were collectively jailed for almost 125 years.
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.
“Having seen the threat posed by organised criminal gangs, removing those involved in this activity from our communities is paramount and sends a strong message that they are not welcome in our county.
“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.”
Chief Inspector Pete Shaw, who is responsible for policing in Warrington, added: “Today we have seen a large number of arrests and police activity across Warrington. Local officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance for local residents. If anyone has any issues or concerns I would urge them to speak directly to a neighbourhood officer.
“Information from the public is vital in the fight against this type of crime and I would also 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.”
Police carrying out a dawn raid
3 Comments
Let’s hope the punishment fits the crime after all the hard work!
Amen to that hope Gary, even if it seems too much to expect.
Well done Cheshire Police and as already said here’s hoping the punishment fits the crime and that the police continue to crack down (no pun intended) hard on these types of people and catch more of them to get them off our streets.