27/02/2007

Sixteen arrested in drugs raids

Fourteen people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences in a series of coordinated raids in Lancashire, Merseyside and Northern Europe.

The raids took place around 5:30am on Tuesday morning and involved more than 200 police officers, including search and entry trained officers, specialist firearms officers, dog handlers and detectives.

The raids were carried out at properties in Oswaldtwistle, Accrington and Lancaster. A man was also arrested at an address in Northern Europe.

Fifteen men and one woman were arrested in total and are currently in police custody.

A number of premises have been secured by police officers and are now being searched.

The arrests followed a joint investigation by Lancashire Constabulary's Serious and Organised Unit and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency into the supply and distribution of Class A drugs across Lancashire.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Cunningham from Lancashire Constabulary said: "This operation demonstrates the commitment of Lancashire Constabulary, working closely alongside other crime agencies, to disrupt organised crime groups and to bring those people who are responsible for committing crime and supplying Class A drugs in the country.

"The arrests made this morning will have a significant impact in the supply and distribution of Class A drugs across Lancashire."

(KMcA/SP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 April 2015
Mother Of Baby Abandoned In Arcade Charged With Attempted Murder
The mother of a child found abandoned in the toilets of an amusement arcade in Southport, has been arrested. The newborn baby was found by staff at Silcock's Amusements in Merseyside, last Thursday. The child is being cared for by staff at Ormskirk Hospital, Lancashire later, who have named her April.
24 February 2010
Gun Gang To Be Sentenced
Eight men are awaiting sentencing for their part in a major drugs and firearms conspiracy spanning the UK, Europe and South America.
09 December 2009
Arrested Over Missing Lancashire Girl
Police investigating the disappearance of a Lancashire teenager girl who disappeared two years have arrested a man on suspicion of murder. Paige Chivers, who would now be 17, has been missing from her home in Bispham since August 23, 2007. She disappeared following a family argument and has not been seen since.
14 January 2008
Two Arrested Over Missing Lancashire Schoolgirl
Two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 15-year-old schoolgirl Paige Chivers from Lancashire. Lancashire Police confirmed that a 53-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, both from Blackpool, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
02 June 2015
Eight Men Arrested Following Dawn Raids
Over 100 police officers have carried out a series of raids concerning child sexual exploitation offences in Oxford. Eight men were arrested following the raids at 6am this morning 2 June. Police are investigating approximately 60 offences in connection with the operation relating to female victims in Oxford between 1999 and 2007.