33 charged after major drugs operation in Lancashire

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Thirty-three people have been charged after a Lancashire Police operation uncovered a £6.6 million drug haul from the Middle East and Asia.

Thirty-three people have been charged following a major Lancashire Police operation targeting the supply of drugs into the county. Officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit conducted an eight-month covert investigation, Operation Warrior, which uncovered a criminal network importing drugs into the UK and Lancashire from the Middle East and Asia. During the investigation, 17 people were intercepted and a total of 171kg of cocaine and 297kg of cannabis were recovered, with a wholesale value of £6.6 million.

Warrants were executed across Blackpool during September and October, resulting in 36 arrests. Police seized quantities of cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine, along with more than £100,000 in cash. Officers also recovered seven Rolex watches, gold bars, designer goods and two vehicles. Weapons seized included two machetes, knuckle dusters, tasers and knives.

Detective Inspector Steve Montgomery of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: 'The supply and use of drugs brings criminality and misery to our communities. Lancashire Police are committed to disrupting the supply of drugs in the county and will robustly investigate those involved.' Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police's response to tackling serious and organised crime across the county.

How it is being reported

• All 33 people charged with a part in huge £6.6M Blackpool drug network with links to Middle East & Asia named33 people, ranging in age from just 20 to 61, from Blackpool, South Shore, Hambleton, Lytham, St Annes, Poulton and Cleveleys have been charged and remanded in custody.Blackpool Gazette · 14 Oct, 16:48
• 33 charged after major Lancashire drugs operation uncovers £6.6m haulThirty-three people have been charged following a major police operation targeting the supply of drugs into Lancashire.Lancashire Telegraph · 14 Oct, 16:31
• 33 people charged after drug busts in Blackpool linked to Middle East sees cash, machetes & Rolexes seized“The supply and use of drugs brings criminality and misery to our communities.”Blackpool Gazette · 14 Oct, 13:03
• Major update as police seize drugs, £100k, machetes and Rolex watches in massive operation in Blackpool“The supply and use of drugs brings criminality and misery to our communities.”Blackpool Gazette · 14 Oct, 12:36

In this story: Lancashire Police · Serious and Organised Crime Unit · Lancashire · Blackpool · Steve Montgomery

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