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05 Sep 2012
23 people have been arrested
so far today (Wednesday 5th September) in Runcorn as part of a
high-profile drugs operation.
Around 300 officers were involved in Operation Gram - a series
of dawn raids to target the suspected use and supply of
Cannabis.
The 23 local men were arrested on suspicion of
conspiracy to supply Cannabis as part of the operation -
the biggest that Cheshire Police has ever carried out in relation
to Cannabis. They are currently helping police with their
enquiries.
Warrants and searches were carried out at a total of 25
properties across the town.
Specialist officers were used to gain entry to the properties
and officers, who are experts in search techniques, are now
carrying out detailed inspections of all the addresses.
The operation was led by officers from Runcorn Neighbourhood Policing Unit - supported
by colleagues from across the force.
Representatives from partner agencies including local housing
associations were also involved in the operation.
Inspector Gareth Lee, of Runcorn
NPU
, said:
Around 300 officers from across the force have been involved
today - this shows the full extent of the operation.
The strike phase this morning is the result of a 12
month operation by local officers focusing on a number of
individuals suspected of being involved in illegal drugs in
Runcorn.
Over that period intelligence and evidence has been gathered
surrounding the use and supply of Cannabis across the town.
This has culminated today in a number of high-profile raids,
which we hope will send out a strong message that this sort of
behaviour is not welcome in Runcorn and will not be tolerated.
Illegal drugs can have a major impact on local
communities. It is an issue we take extremely seriously
and we devote all the resources we can to tracing those responsible
for drug use and supply and disrupting their behaviour.
- Inspector Gareth Lee, Runcorn
NPU
Following the execution of the warrants local neighbourhood
officers are carrying out high-visibility patrols
to offer reassurance to local residents.
Officers will be handing out leaflets to homes in the areas
affected and talking to members of the local community about the
action that has been taken.
The majority of these arrests have been carried out as a result
of information that has been passed on by
the local community.
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.
Residents told us their concerns regarding suspected Cannabis
related activity in the town - a lot of this activity was not done
behind closed doors - it was blatantly done in full view of people
in the middle of the street.
This sort of behaviour is clearly not acceptable and we want to
get the message across loud and clear that those who choose to get
involved in this sort of activity are not welcome in Runcorn - and
it is only a matter of time before we catch up with you.
- Inspector Gareth Lee, Runcorn
NPU
Today's operation does not end with the strike phase and the
efforts of local officers will continue.
We hope that the success of today's operation reassures people
in Runcorn that we are listening to what they are saying and are
taking those concerns seriously.
We have seen first hand the effect that drugs can have
on the local community and we will continue to target
those suspected of being involved in this type of activity.
But removing those suspected of drug use and supply is just one
part of providing long-term solutions to drug-related problems
within the local community. We would like to thank residents for
their patience and co-operation throughout the 12 month
operation.
It is important that we continue to work in
partnership with local people and other agencies to ensure
that all the knock-on effects of drugs misuse are dealt with.
We cannot stress how important information from members
of the public is in the fight against drug related crime
and we would urge anyone with any information to contact us - even
the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing
together a case.
The issue of illegal drugs is a priority for Runcorn
NPU
and we will
continue to work closely with the local community to gather, and
act upon, any further intelligence in relation to drugs.
- Inspector Gareth Lee, Runcorn
NPU
Anyone with any information about drug-related crime in Runcorn
is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.
Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers,
on 0800 555 111.
