Court appearance for 15 following Operation Impact raids

Fifteen people have appeared in court today (Thursday, September 17) charged with offences connected to Operation Impact.

The 15 – all men aged between 18 and 50 – appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court, each charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

All are due to next appear at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, September 30.

Their charges follow Cheshire police’s latest activity under Operation Impact – a campaign targeted at tackling those whose drugs-related criminality brings misery to our communities. More than 200 officers conducted a series of dawn raids in the Macclesfield, Manchester and Merseyside area in what was one of the largest co-ordinated drug strikes ever undertaken by the Force.

As well as arrests, a range of items linked to organised criminality were seized including cash, drugs and weapons, including a firearm.

A further five people were arrested during the operation – three have been bailed pending further enquiries while the other two have been released without charge.

Chief Superintendent Andy Southcott said: “This was a successful operation as demonstrated by the charges brought against these individuals. I hope this sends a strong message to those who make the lives of their communities a misery through their criminal activity.

“Our work doesn’t end here and I want to reassure local people that our efforts continue to fight this menace. Information from the public is vital in our fight against drug-related crime and I’d urge anyone with information to get in touch on 101, or by leaving information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”