Five arrests in county lines drugs operation

FIVE men have been arrested across Runcorn and Widnes for alleged offences connected to ‘ county lines’ drug activity.

Police swooped on the suspects as part of a Cheshire-wide crackdown.

Two 18-year-olds from Runcorn were arrested on suspicion of robbery and released under investigation.

Andrew Moores, aged 45, of Pear Tree Avenue, Runcorn, was charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession of a knife and is due to appear at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court today.

A 31-year-old from Runcorn was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply heroin and was released under investigation.

In Widnes, Joe Travers, 29, of no fixed address was charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

There were 12 arrests across the county in total.

A Cheshire police spokeswoman said officers visited addresses where they believed vulnerable adults might have been targeted or exploited, and provided advice and support.

She said cash, mobile phones, weapons, heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis were seized by police during the week of action.

Police teams worked with other agencies including neighbouring forces, councils and social services.

Macclesfield police co-ordinated with British Transport Police to intercept suspects using the railways to bring in drugs.

Officers also visited schools to educate them about the warning signs that might indicate children are being exploited.

Posters were distributed in shops and hotels to raise awareness about the signs someone vulnerable might be being exploited by an organised crime group.

The operation also focused on protecting suspected victims of ‘cuckooing’ whereby gangs take over someone’s home address to use as a base for dealing drugs.

T/Detective Chief Inspector Justin Hancock said: “Officers across the force have continued to pursue serious and organised criminals and help protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities who are exploited by these gangs.

“Disrupting county lines is what we do on a regular basis however the weekly focus enables us to go that extra mile by informing the public of what we’re doing, how they can look out for the signs of vulnerability and to report it.

“This week has been about keeping vulnerable adults and children safe and identifying those who are most at risk. As well as carrying out warrants, making arrests and seizing drugs, it is also incredibly important the public are informed on how they too can help vulnerable adults and children from these gangs.”

Telltale signs that a child or young person is being exploited include: going missing from school or home and travelling to market towns or rural areas; selfharm or a significant change in emotional wellbeing or behaviour; using drugs or alcohol; having more money, expensive clothes or accessories which they cannot account for; multiple mobile phones, tablets or SIM cards and receiving lots of texts and calls; forming relationships and meeting with controlling or older people or groups; carrying weapons; a large decline in school results or performance; and lone children from coming outside of the area.

Residents are asked to report suspicions to Cheshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www. cheshire.police.uk