10 arrested for drugs and firearms offences

This morning (Wednesday 3rd August), detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit supported by North Yorkshire Police, Cheshire Police and Greater Manchester Police, have arrested nine men and one women as part of an investigation into drugs and firearms supply. 

Officers from the NWROCU began an investigation back in December 2021 in response to community concerns about drugs supply and the use of firearms in the area.

Today, this has led to the arrest of six men and a woman from Manchester and three men from Whitby for a variety of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A (namely cocaine) and Class B (namely cannabis) drugs, money laundering and firearms offences. 

All 10 suspects are being held in police custody where they are being questioned by officers. 

During the searches, officers seized cash, mobile phones and other supporting evidence.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Robinson from the NWROCU Investigations Team said: "This morning’s warrants in North Yorkshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester are the result of extensive work we have carried out as part of an investigation we began back in December last year into drugs supply between Manchester and Whitby.

“To date, we have recovered a significant amount of Class A and B drugs, over 30k in cash and a sawn-off shot gun with ammunition. 

“We have been gathering evidence and intelligence behind the scenes and the extensive work has now resulted in the arrest of these 10 people.

“I hope that this morning’s arrests provide reassurance to communities in Cheshire, North Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. We are committed to doing all we can to tackle the supply of drugs and ensuring that those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) tackles serious organised crime across the North West region.

The NWROCU carries out investigations into serious and organised crime on behalf of police forces in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and North Wales.

The lead force for NWROCU is Merseyside Police, with the Assistant Chief Constable of NWROCU reporting into Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.