Arrests made as raid leads to cannabis find

May 23 2008 Chester Chronicle

MORE than 25 mature cannabis plants were discovered at a house in Tarvin during raids as part of Operation Strikeout.

Officers from Cheshire Police’s Western division targeted seven addresses in the area and discovered cannabis, amphetamines, cultivation equipment, three bags of what is believed to be cocaine and a quantity of cash.

All the raids were carried out in the Western Rural NPU, including Frodsham, Helsby, Elton and Kelsall, and Inspector Phil Hodgson, who is in charge of the unit, is pleased with the results.

He said: “It is disappointing to see the level of drug-related activity in the area, but reassuring to know the painstaking work carried out to gather intelligence has disrupted that activity.

“Wednesday’s warrants have thrown a spanner into the works of illegal drug supply in the area and send a clear message to those who seek to make a profit from drugs that we will not tolerate any such activity.”

Following the raids, a 26-year-old woman from Helsby was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and was later given police bail until July 7.

A 31-year-old man and 31-year-old woman were arrested in Tarvin on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and remain in police custody.

Superintendent Jon Betts, who is overseeing Operation Strikeout in Western Area, said: “Drugs and drug paraphernalia were discovered at addresses in Helsby, Kelsall, Elton and Tarvin which is testament to the level of engagement our officers have with the communities they work in.

“We are fully committed to tackling drugs supply and use in Cheshire, but often we rely on members of the public for information about who is involved in this and which areas are worst affected.

“We can only act, as we have today, if community members are willing to help by giving us vital information.

“Our police community support officers and neighbourhood officers are doing outstanding work in their respective communities and have built excellent links which enable us to tap into the concerns of many people.

“But there may be others who have helpful information we have not yet reached and I would appeal to those people to speak to us.

“Operation Strikeout is having a real effect on the supply of drugs and associated crimes and by working together the public and the police can take steps to reduce these issues even further.”

If you have information about drugs use or supply, contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0845 458 0000.