Pair accused of offences after operation in which drugs, cash and phones were seized
TWO Runcorn men have been charged with Class A drug offences following focused police activity to target alleged “county lines” supply.
Alan Porter, 41, of High Street, and Andrew Sheilds, 29, of Camelot Way, were among 24 suspects detained by Cheshire Constabulary during the operation.
Among them were 16 men, two teenage boys aged 14 and 15, and six women.
Items including drugs, cash and phones were reported to have been seized.
Suspects hailed from areas including Roby, Northwich, Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester, Chester, Barnton, Cambridgeshire, Stafford, Partington and Runcorn , Cheshire.
Porter was charged with possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class A drug cocaine and resisting arrest.
He was remanded into custody at magistrates’ court on October 12 to appear for plea at Chester Crown Court on November 9.
Sheilds was charged with PWITS crack cocaine.
Court papers said Sheilds pleaded guilty on October 8 before magistrates in Warrington and was remanded in custody to appear at Chester Crown Court for sentence on November 5.
A Cheshire police spokeswoman said that as part of the general county-wide operation, officers also visited eight men and four women deemed identified as “vulnerable” and at risk of exploitation.
Officers also worked with local authorities and charities to provide support and advice, and police conducted visits to primary and secondary schools to educate pupils about how criminals recruit youngsters to deal drugs on their behalf and the signs to look out for.
The action was part of a national focus coordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).
The phrase “county lines” refers to a model for drug supply involving groups based in cities using mobile phones to direct people in smaller towns and villages to deal drugs on their behalf.
Speaking following the general operation, Detective Inspector Eli Atkinson said: “Protecting and preventing young children and vulnerable adults from organised crime gangs who go out of their way to exploit them is one of the force’s top priorities.
“We work relentlessly with our partners to educate young children by visiting schools to give talks and presentations while we also identify and visit adults in our community who we think could be at risk.
“A lot of this work relies on the support of parents, guardians and residents in the local community.
“You are our eyes and ears. By learning the signs of criminal exploitation and talking to children about them can really help deter the cycle this criminality brings.
“It’s the same with vulnerable adults too, please keep an eye out on your neighbours who may be vulnerable and report anyone who you think may be displaying signs of county lines criminality.”
Warning signs that a child or young person is being exploited can include: Going missing from school.
● Travelling to market towns or rural areas.
● Using drugs or alcohol.
● Having more cash, expensive new clothes of accessories that they can’t account for.
● Forming relationships and meeting with controlling or older people or groups. ● Carrying weapons.
● An increase in visitors or cars to a house or flat.
● People coming and going at odd times of the day and night.
● Strange smells such as drugs coming from the property.
● Cars pulling up to or near the house for a short period of time.
DI Atkinson added: “I’d like to think the community are aware of how relentless we are in creating an atmosphere that is perceived as hostile to these criminals and the week of action is purely a snapshot of what officers are doing on a daily basis.
“Please do keep reporting information to police or through Crimestoppers and trust that we will do the rest.”
More details on the warning signs of exploitation can be found at cheshire. police.uk.
Residents who believe drug activity is taking place in their neighbourhood have been asked to call Cheshire police on 101 or visit the website. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.