Major drugs seizure at M56 services

Apr 25 2008 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

A MASSIVE drugs haul was captured after suspected dealers were spotted snorting cocaine off the dashboard of their van.

Police made the arrests at Hapsford services after a motorist noticed a man taking drugs in the passenger seat of a white van which cut him up on the M56.

The motorist called the police at 4pm last Friday and it was investigated by Frodsham PCs Matt Uren and John Koloktroni who were on a routine enquiry in Elton.

When they searched the van at Hapsford Services they found 10 bags suspected to be cocaine worth more than £10,000 and three large blocks suspected to be amphetamines.

The three occupants were arrested and have been charged with possession and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

DS Ian Morgan of Frodsham Police said: “They have been foolish, they have drawn attention to themselves in the van and that has led to them being arrested.

“I am very impressed with what the officers did. Wearing plain clothes in an isolated location they managed to restrain and arrest all three men and seize the drugs and the vehicle.

“I have no doubt they will be referred for commendation.”

The men, who were driving back to their homes in North Wales, were refused bail. They will next appear in Chester Crown Court on April 28.