Ten arrested on drugs charges

A total of 18 people have now been arrested as part of Operation Strikeout, a high-profile drugs operation in Warrington, with 10 being charged with supplying Class A drug offences.
Seventeen of those, 15 men and two women were arrested last Friday (November 20) during a series of dawn raids to target the suspected use and supply of powder Cocaine.
Of those 17 people 10, eight men and two women, have now been charged with offences including offering to supply Class A drugs and supplying Class A drugs. They have all been bailed to appear before Warrington Magistrates’ Court on December 7. Seven men have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Another man was arrested yesterday as part of the operation. He is currently helping police with their enquiries.
During the operation warrants and searches were carried out at a total of 17 properties (16 of those were in Warrington and one in the Merseyside area).
Suspected Class A and B drugs were seized from some of the properties along with more than £1500 in cash and four motor vehicles.
Chief Inspector Nick Bailey, of the Northern Area, said: “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 drugs.
“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.”
More than 100 officers were involved in the series of dawn raids.
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.
Following the execution of the warrants local officers across Warrington were involved in the reassurance phase.
Police have stepped up patrols in the areas targeted during Operation Strikeout. Police Community Support Officers have also been handing out leaflets to homes in the area – informing residents of the operation and reassuring the local community. They have been talking to residents and addressing any issues or concerns they might have.
Efforts by all the agencies will continue to ensure that issues in areas such as welfare, drug dependency and community reassurance are addressed.
Anyone with any information in relation to suspected drug use and supply in Warrington should call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.