Four men charged in County Lines drugs investigation

Four men have been charged as part of an investigation into a County Lines organised criminal gang operating in Preston.

Police say in recent weeks a significant quantity of Class A drugs including heroin and crack cocaine has been seized from the criminal group following on-going activity as part of Operation New Era.

This week officers have arrested and charged four men.

On Tuesday (8 October) police arrested Abrar Ahmed and Yasir Ali on Tulketh Road in Preston.

Ahmed, 23, of Kingsway, Manchester and Ali, 22, of Meade Grove, Manchester were subsequently charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs and appeared before magistrates on Wednesday.

On the Thursday, police officers executed a number of warrants in Salford and Longsight in Manchester and arrested Shavon Morrison, 21, of Claremont Road, Manchester and Richard Mushonga, also 21, of Medway Close, Salford.

They have been charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs and appeared before magistrates on Friday morning.

All four have been remanded in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Holgate, of South Police, said: “We will continue to tackle organised crime groups responsible for the exploitation of adults and children using the county lines model across a number of force areas.

“Our commitment to disrupting and dismantling these groups and this type of criminality alongside our partners is a priority and we will continue with these efforts to ensure we keep our communities safe.

“My message to these gangs is clear, you are not welcome in Lancashire and if you continue to conduct your criminal activities in this area then expect to be identified and arrested.

“The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority for us all and we continue to focus our efforts on bringing anyone who exploits such individuals to justice.

“I would also urge our communities to work with us on identifying those responsible for this type of activity so that we can continue to keep our communities safe.

“Intelligence from members of the public is key in operations like this and I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist, whether that be concerns around children, premises that are being used by such groups or indeed information about those responsible to come forward.”

If you have any information about drug dealing in your local area call police on 101 or contact the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.