Six on Class A drugs charges after raids
DAWN raids hit four addresses in Runcorn and Widnes on Tuesday as part of a crackdown on suspected drug supply and organised crime in Cheshire.
Police have charged six suspects with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs since the seven warrants were executed in all – three in Runcorn and one each in Widnes, Warrington, Ellesmere Port and Winsford on Tuesday as part of Operation Alien.
The morning’s action was the second phase of an operation aimed at tackling organised crime and illegal drugs.
DS Ian Watson said the operation was targeting suspected Class A cocaine and Class B cannabis supply.
The dawn raids followed a series of warrants two weeks ago focused on Merseyside in which 13 suspects were arrested and charged in connection with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Specialist officers using equipment including a drill were deployed to enter the properties and officers are now carrying out searches.
The seven addresses were on Caernarvon Close, Whatcroft Close, and Crannage Close in Runcorn; Davies Close, Widnes; Longshaw Street, Warrington; Esk Road, Winsford; and Chester Road, Ellesmere Port.
The six defendants were due to appear at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court yesterday: Paul Fazakerley, 29, of Caernarvon Close, Runcorn; Tamar O’Brien, 33, of Crannage Close, Runcorn; Greg Carter, 26, Davies Close, Widnes; Stephen Snelson, 31, of Longshaw Street, Warrington; Philip Pendergast, 42, of Christleton Drive, Ellesmere Port; Anthony Jones, 31, of Kingsley Walk, Winsford.
The men had been remanded into custody and the woman bailed to appear in court.
Detective Inspector Giles Pierce, who is in charge of the operation, said: “The action taken ● today as part of Operation Impact is a result of a eight-month long investigation focusing on one organised crime gang and a number of individuals suspected of being involved in this type of crime.
“The strike phase this morning is the result of months of hard work and evidence and intelligence gathering by a dedicated team of officers.
“It follows on from a number of warrants that
Mrs Vasco-Knight, who rose from the ranks of nurse to chief executive during her 30-year NHS career, wept throughout the sentencing hearing.
Recorder Don Tait jailed Mrs Vasco-Knight for 16 months and her husband for 10 months but suspended both sentences for two years.
Mrs Vasco-Knight was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and her husband 150 hours.
They will face Proceeds Of Crime Act hearings at a later date. were executed in the Merseyside area a few weeks ago and forms part of a wider operation.
“The action taken by officers reinforces Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to proactively targeting, disrupting and dismantling those suspected of being involved in organised crime.”
Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “The proactive approach taken by the constabulary today is essential in providing reassurance to our communities that the issue of drugs and organised crime is being taken seriously and that residents have a police service committed to keeping them safe.
“I would like to thank all of the officers and staff involved in the operation for the dedication and commitment that they have shown and I would like to assure the people of Cheshire that this type of action will continue.”
DI Pierce added: “Information from the public is vital in the fight against drug related activity and I encourage anyone who has any information about organised crime or drug related activity in their community to come forward. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a police officer, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” OR CALL