£20 million worth of class A drugs seized

A large quantity of class A drugs with an estimated street value of around £20 million has been seized.

Police officers stopped two vehicles between Junction 19 and 20 on the M6 northbound in Cheshire on Thursday evening, 2nd August.

A van and car were searched and a large quantity of what is believed to be cocaine was discovered.

Image shows just half of the drugs that were seized from two vehicles that were stopped on the M6

Four people from the Warrington area have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

The three men – aged 30, 36 and 40 – and the 35-year-old woman are currently in custody helping police with their enquiries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Aaron Duggan, Head of Crime at Cheshire Police, said: “This significant seizure of class A drugs is one of the largest in Cheshire’s history.

“It is the early stages of our investigation and I am confident that this colossal seizure will go some way toward disrupting the illegal, organised crime groups preying on the most vulnerable people in our communities in Cheshire and the wider North West region.

“The corrosive effect of illegal drugs on communities cannot be understated. Behind every single drug deal there is vulnerability and misery and we are committed to tackling the problem and targeting those involved.

“I am sure the public will see this seizure as a really positive step in our fight against the illegal drug trade in Cheshire and further afield.

“We are aware that removing such a large quantity of drugs from the streets may have an impact on GP surgeries, hospitals and health support agencies and we are liaising with them and other partner agencies to minimise this potential impact.”

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “This is a fantastic result for officers in Cheshire in preventing such a large quantity of drugs which damage so many lives from reaching the streets. It also demonstrates the dedication of officers in tackling this significant issue for society.

“Whilst I would like to commend officers in their achievements, I also recognise the potential impacts of a seizure of this magnitude. The public can be assured that we will be working really closely with our partners to ensure the wider implications of taking such a large haul of drugs out of circulation are addressed.”

DCS Duggan added: “Our fight against serious and organised crime will continue. Information from members of the public is vital in this fight and I urge anyone with any information in relation to the use and supply of illegal drugs in Cheshire to get in touch with us.”

Information on the use and supply of illegal drugs can be given to Cheshire Police on 101 or via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.