AN address in Widnes was raided by police this morning, Wednesday, following information relating to a huge drugs conspiracy.
Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit arrested four men, aged 29, 38, 40 and 51, and three women, aged 34, 36 and 62 in Widnes, Warrington and Merseyside.
A haul of designer items, jewellery and weapons was also seized, as well as a car.
The arrests follow an 18-month operation into an organised crime group allegedly supplying class A and B drugs to other gangs in Warrington.
The warrants took place at addresses in Regency Park in Widnes, Heather Close in Birchwood, Brindley Avenue in Latchford, as well as Camomile Close, Graylands Road, Aviemore Road and Breccia Gardens in Merseyside.
Detective chief inspector Giles Pierce said: "This conspiracy came to our attention following previous investigations into two organised crime gangs in Warrington – codenamed Operation Samurai and Operation Dreadnought.
"Those arrested are suspected of being part of a well-established organised crime group who we believe were operating at a high level across the north west.
"It is a massively significant result in our determination to disrupt organised crime gangs operating from Warrington and supplying these drugs further afield.
"If a criminal is suspected of operating a drugs enterprise they are likely to gain substantial profit and might display their riches in public.
"It is important people in the community learn to recognise those who could be living above their means and showing an increase in wealth, and report it to police."
Police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, added: "Drugs have a huge impact on our community and blight our neighbourhoods, causing misery to victims.
"This operation is another example of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit once again pursuing gangs believed to be involved in the supply of drugs.
"I remain proud of their hard work and determination in disrupting this crime and their continued efforts to protect our communities."
If you believe someone living in your community could be involved in serious and organised crime please report it.
You can do this anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or calling Cheshire Police on 101.
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