Eight arrested as drug squad swoops

EIGHT people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation to tackle drug use and supply across Warrington.
The arrests were made by officers from Warrington West Neighbourhood Policing Unit during the first phase of Operation Strikeout.
Over the past three weeks severn warrants have been executed – resulting in eight arrests, five men and three women.
Three men have since been charged with drugs offences, two men and one woman have received a caution for drugs offences and one woman has been bailed pending further enquiries. No further action has been taken against another woman.
Items including a substantial amount of suspected Class A drugs and more than £20,000 in cash have also been seized from some of the properties. A number of these items have been sent for forensic testing.
Sergeant Dan Lever said: “These arrests are part of an ongoing operation in Warrington to target those who are suspected of being involved in drug use and supply.
“Drugs can have a major impact on local communities and it is an issue we take extremely seriously.
“We will not tolerate any sort of behaviour, which has a negative impact on the quality of life of local residents and we will continue to take positive action where necessary.
“We are aware of the concerns of the local community and we hope that our actions show that we are listening to what local residents are saying and taking appropriate action.
“Community intelligence is vital in the fight against drugs and we would urge residents to continue providing us with any information.
“This type of intelligence is vital and helps us to build up a bigger picture of what is happening in a particular area and to work out the best ways of dealing with any issues.”
The ongoing operation involves officers from across Warrington working alongside officers from the Northern Area Dedicated Drugs Unit.
The operation follows months of work by officers and information gathered from the community and partner agencies.
Officers have been working closely alongside representatives from Golden Gates Housing – as a number of properties owned by Golden Gates Housing have been targeted during the first phase of the operation.