Police crackdown on drug related crime

FIREARMS, drugs, counterfeit goods and cash have been seized in Warrington following a crackdown by police.
Over the past two weeks police operating in the South of the borough have executed 14 warrants, arrested nine people and seized what is believed to be a large amount of Class A drugs and other items including cash, firearms and weapons.
DC Jamie Thompson, of Warrington South NPU, said: “The local community has told us that drug related activity in the Warrington South area is an issue of real concern and in response to those concerns we have executed a number of warrants, which has resulted in numerous arrests and a large amount of suspected Class A drugs being seized.
“This is a great result as we believe that these drugs were destined for the streets of Warrington South. The operation was initially due to run for two weeks but it has been such a success that we plan to continue running it over the coming weeks.
“The local community can rest assured that we will continue to take positive action against anyone suspected of being involved in drugs – this could lead to criminal prosecutions, eviction from property and even being banned from licensed premises in the area.
“We will not tolerate suspected drug use and supply in the area and we want to get the message across loud and clear that those who are involved in this sort of activity are not welcome in Warrington South.
This week, that message was reinforced once again by police, partners and local licensees – with a warning that anyone found to be involved in drugs in the area will also be banned from licensed premises on the Pubwatch scheme in Stockton Heath for a year.
DC Thompson added: “The message is clear – get caught in Stockton Heath with drugs and you will not only be facing prosecution – but you will also be barred for 12 months from pubs on the Pubwatch scheme in the Warrington South area.”
Throughout the course of the operation warrants have been executed at 14 addresses in Warrington South.
Nine people have been arrested for a variety of offences including on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, possession of Class A and Class B drugs, money laundering, possession of a firearm and handling stolen goods.
Of those nine people arrested, three have received fixed penalty notices for possession of Cannabis, five are currently on police bail whilst further forensic examinations are carried out and no further action has been taken against one person.
A large amount of Class A and B drugs have been seized along with a significant amount of cash, a vehicle, a section 5 firearm (taser stun gun) and a variety of weapons including knives. Suspected counterfeit clothing and jewellery have also been seized throughout the course of the operation.
Officers have been working closely in partnership with representatives from other agencies including Golden Gates Housing and Warrington Trading Standards.
Inspector Gary Mcintyre, of Warrington South NPU, said: “This multi-agency partnership approach has, once again, proved successful in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the Warrington South area. We will continue to work alongside our partners within the local community to address any issues that are affecting the quality of life of local residents.
“We are all fully committed to targeting suspected criminal activity and anti-social behaviour within Warrington South. We know that drug use and supply can have a major impact on the local community and it is an issue we take extremely seriously.”
Police believe their efforts are helping to reinforce the message that anyone suspected of being involved in drug use or supply in the area will be punished for their actions.
Further warrants are planned across Warrington South and, this week, Inspector McIntyre warned those involved in this sort of behaviour that they should be on their guard.
He added: “We have already said that people who are involved in this sort of activity are not welcome in Warrington South. Those who choose to continue to involve themselves in this type of activity should be on their guard – keep looking over your shoulder because it is only a matter of time before we catch up with you.
“Getting involved in criminal activity does not pay and anyone with any information in relation to suspected criminal activity or anti-social behaviour in Warrington South is urged to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information, which might help police with their enquiries, should contact police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Picture shows some of the counterfeit goods seized.