The fight against serious and organised crime continues as detectives make 12 arrests during raids
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In the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 22 July, more than 250 officers took part in executing 10 warrants at addresses across Cheshire, Merseyside, Cumbria, and Humberside, as part of Cheshire Constabulary’s ongoing mission to target those involved in serious and organised crime.
Today’s strike, known as Operation Clocked, is the culmination of a complex and lengthy investigation by the Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into an Organised Crime Group (OCG) believed to be involved in money laundering and the large-scale supply of illegal drugs throughout the North West region.
During the warrants, a total of 12 people were arrested, including:
- A 58-year-old man arrested at an address on Haydn Road, Liverpool
- A 38-year-old man arrested at an address on Ridgeway Drive, Lydiate, Merseyside
- A 33-year-old man arrested at an address on Quarry Way, Huyton
- A 22-year-old man arrested at an address on The Glebe, Runcorn
- A 32-year-old man arrested at an address on Foxley Heath, Widnes
- A 26-year-old man arrested at an address on Castle Rise, Runcorn
- A 38-year-old man arrested at an address on Hartsbourne Avenue, Liverpool
- A 26-year-old man arrested at an address of Powderworks Lane, Melling
- A 37-year-old man arrested at an address on Lowther Street, Carlisle
- A 24-year-old woman arrested at an address on Whinsmoor Drive, Carlisle
A 33-year-old man from HMP Buckley Hall and a 34-year-old man from HMP Berwyn were also arrested in connection with the investigation after being produced from prison.
The suspects have been arrested on suspicion of a number of serious offences, and all currently remain in custody, assisting police with their enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Sophie Davies, who led the operation, said:
“This morning’s strike action follows a lengthy investigation into an OCG suspected of facilitating the supply and transportation of Class A and B drugs from Merseyside into Cheshire.
“Illegal drugs have a devastating impact on our communities, and by disrupting supply chains and removing those responsible from our streets, we are helping to break the cycle of serious and organised crime and make Cheshire a safer place for everyone.
“Today’s warrants send a clear message that criminality does not stop at county borders. No matter where you are based, if you come into Cheshire to deal drugs, we will use every power available to ensure that you are brought before the courts.
“If you suspect drug-related criminality is taking place in your neighbourhood, please report it to us. The information you provide can play a vital role in helping us protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”
To report serious and organised anonymously please call 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website.