A week-long crackdown against serious and organised crime in Widnes has resulted in arrests and class-A drugs being seized.

Police used information provided by the community to execute warrants, make five arrests and recover heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis.

Two men were stopped on the Iron Bridge in Grizedale and found to be in possession of approximately 40 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine. They were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and have been released under investigation.

A raid on Mottershead Road resulted in cannabis, scales and graft phones being recovered.

Around 51 bags of heroin and crack cocaine were discovered in a jewellery box in the garden of an address on Sinclair Avenue.

One vulnerable man was also identified and safeguarded by officers after he was found to have been a victim of exploitation by organised crime groups.

A county line is operated by an organised crime group who use a mobile phone, known as a ‘line’ or a ‘graft’ to extend their criminal activity into new locations – usually from a city into rural areas.

Organised crime groups can target, coerce and exploit children, vulnerable adults and disabled people to deliver and deal drugs on their behalf.

Sergeant Rob Anderson, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “We know county lines exists in Widnes and we are committed in doing all we can to disrupt it to make your community safer.

“Although this week of action is similar to what we do on a daily basis, going that extra mile enables us to further engage with local residents and reassure them that we do act on information provided to us.

“Keeping your community safe and protecting vulnerable adults and children is our priority. I want to encourage the public to keep coming forward with information and understanding how to spot the signs of county lines.”

Anyone who believes county lines activity is happening in their area can call Cheshire Police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit information by email https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries