A WINSFORD home was one of a number raided by police this morning as part of a drugs ring crackdown, with one man arrested.

The large-scale operation follows a 12-month investigation by police to tackle the supply of class A and B drugs including cannabis and cocaine across the north west.

As well as properties in Winsford, Merseyside and north Wales, officers descended on 19 Warrington homes targeting alleged members of an organised crime group.

More than 200 officers were involved in the simultaneous warrants, with one woman and 13 men – aged between 20 and 40 – were taken into custody across Warrington.

One man was arrested in Merseyside, and another in north Wales. All have been arrested on suspicion of supplying class A and B drugs and are currently helping police with enquiries.

Det Supt Aaron Duggan, head of crime at the constabulary, said: “Today’s coordinated arrest activity comes after 12-months of hard work.

“A dedicated team of officers have worked hard to gather evidence and intelligence while protecting vulnerable members of the community from those suspected of being involved in serious and organised crime.

“I am particularly pleased that this operation has reduced a significant number of firearms that were in circulation.

“Obviously the possibility of the criminal use of the firearms was a key threat we addressed, our action will, I hope, reassure the community that we will tackle serious crime in a positive way.

“The investigation focused on one influential and established organised crime group in Warrington who are suspected of being involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis within the local community.

“The action taken by officers reinforces Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to proactively target, disrupt and dismantle those suspected of being involved in organised crime.”

Specialist officers were used to gain entry to the properties and officers are now carrying out detailed searches of all the addresses.

Detective Superintendent Duggan added: “Today’s action can only continue if people keep coming forward with information to help us tackle serious and organised crime.

“I encourage anyone who has any information about organised crime activity in their community, to do the right thing and report it to us.”

“If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a police officer then you can pass information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”