Chester drugs operation sees arrests in North Wales

Police have arrested ten people, including individuals from Broughton and Holt, following a large-scale operation targeting an organised crime gang believed to be behind the supply of class A drugs in Chester.

More than 100 officers took part in 12 coordinated warrants carried out on Thursday 3 April.

The operation involved Cheshire Police, North Wales Police, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and Staffordshire Police.

The arrests come after a long-running investigation into an organised crime gang said to be operating from Blacon in Chester.

During the warrants, a substantial amount of suspected class A drugs were recovered, along with four high-value cars, a motorcycle, a boat, and several expensive watches.

Among those arrested were:

• A 43-year-old man from Holt

• A 45-year-old man from Broughton

They were among ten suspects arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a class A drug.

All currently remain in police custody and are assisting with enquiries.

Chief Inspector Paul Fegan, Local Policing Commander for Chester, said:

“Today’s arrests are the result of a long running investigation into an OCG based in Blacon involved in the large-scale supply of cocaine.

“On top of the arrests, in addition to a substantial amount of class A drugs, officers also seized four high value cars, a motorcycle, a boat, and several high value watches as suspected criminal property.

“Illegal drugs have a devastating impact on communities and bring with them many other problems which negatively affect those living in the local area.

“The gang have been profiting from the misery of drug users and intimidating law-abiding citizens.

“No one should have to live in fear of criminals; by cutting off the supply and removing dealers from our streets, we are working to break the cycle and make Cheshire a safer place to live.

“Action like this can only be achieved with information from communities themselves. Sometimes it takes time to build a bigger picture, but these warrants demonstrate that our teams are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug-related crime to make our communities safer places.

“If you have information about drug dealing within your neighbourhood, please report it to us on 101 or through our website and we will do the rest.”