17 arrested following series of raids across county

SEVENTEEN men have been arrested on suspicion of drug and money laundering offences after a series of raids across the county.

Warrants were executed at a total of 14 premises in the city centre, Hinckley and Great Glen on Thursday as part of an investigation into a suspected class A drug conspiracy. They were carried out by officers with the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (Emsou), with the support of Leicestershire colleagues.

A spokesman for the police said searches at the properties unearthed cash and a “large quantity” of drugs.

“Tens of thousands of pounds in cash, a large quantity of suspected class A and B drugs, two cars and dozens of mobile phones have been seized,” the spokesman said.

Two men have also been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

“The suspects, aged between 19 and 49, will be questioned.

Detective Inspector Mark Booth, of Emsou, said: “A huge amount of work has gone into this investigation, both behind the scenes and on the streets, and I want to say a huge thank you to Leicestershire police for their support today.

“Criminals often try very hard to avoid detection and cover their tracks, but the scale of our activity today proves we’ll leave no stone unturned when pursuing those we suspect to be causing the most harm in our communities.”

To report criminal activity where you live call the police 101 number, or get in touch with officers through the Leicestershire Police website.