ANOTHER 22 people have been arrested in Warrington as a result of a high-profile police operation targeting people suspected of drug use and supply.
Over the last three weeks, 12 warrants have been executed at addresses in the Warrington central area and 16 men and six women arrested as part of the ongoing Operation Strikeout.
Of these a man and a woman was charged with possession of a Class A drug and a man charged with possession of a Class B drug.
Two men were cautioned for possession of a Class B drug, 12 men bailed pending further enquiries and two women bailed pending further enquiries. No further action was taken against three women.
During the operation drugs and other items, believed to be stolen, were seized.
A man was arrested at a property in Ajax Avenue. A substantial amount of suspected Class B drugs and a small amount of suspected Class A drugs were also seized.
A man was later bailed pending further enquiries. Another man was later arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.
The ongoing operation involves officers from all areas of Warrington, and follows months of work by officers and information gathered from the community and partner agencies.
Officers have worked closely with representatives from Golden Gates Housing (GGH), and a number of its properties have been targeted.
Inspector Andy Ross said: “Operations such as this show our commitment to working in partnership with other agencies to tackle the issue of drug related crime in local communities.
“We hope that our actions help to reassure the local community that we are listening to what they are saying and are taking those concerns seriously.”
GGH chief executive Peter Mercer said: “We are aware of the negative impact that drug use and supply can have and we welcome the continued joint work on neighbourhood policing and management.”
Police advise people with any concerns about drug use in their area to contact them.
Anyone with information about drug use or supply in their area is advised to contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000, or to pass on the information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
