TWELVE people have been arrested at Warrington as part of a high-profile drugs operation.
More than 100 officers were involved in Operation Strikeout – a series of dawn raids to target the suspected use and supply of powder cocaine.
Ten men and two women were arrested for a variety of drugs offences and the majority of these are currently helping 
police with their enquiries.
Warrants and searches were carried out at a total of 16 properties in the town. One warrant was also executed by Cheshire Police officers at an address in Merseyside.
Officers who are experts in search techniques later carried out detailed inspections of all the premises.
Numerous items including suspected Class A drugs, cash and a number of motor vehicles were seized from some of the properties. Many of these items have now been sent off for forensic testing.
A suspected cannabis factory was discovered at a garage at one house and a number of harvested plants and drugs paraphernalia were seized.
The operation was organised by officers from the Northern Area Dedicated Drugs Unit – supported by colleagues from the force’s VECTOR unit.
Representatives from partner agencies – including Golden Gates Housing and the local Drug Action Team – were also involved in the operation.
Chief Inspector Nick Bailey said: “Operation Strikeout is the result of six months of intelligence and evidence gathering surrounding the supply of cocaine in and around Warrington town centre.
“This has culminated in a number of high-profile raids, which we hope will send out a strong message that drug use and supply will not be tolerated in Warrington.
“We have seen first hand the effect that drugs can have on the local community and police and partners will continue to target those suspected of being involved in the use and supply of this drug.
“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.”
As part of the six month operation 35 separate seizures of cocaine have been made.
Tests have shown that the cocaine seized is of a very low purity ranging from 1-3 per cent with some dealers selling white powder as cocaine when it was in actual fact other substances.
Chief Inspector Bailey added: “Aside from the normal health risks associated with taking illegal drugs the fact that this particular type of cocaine is of a very low quality is a further cause for concern.”
Pictured: police break into one house.
