Officers in South Ribble and Chorley have made a number of arrests as part of ongoing work to proactively target the supply of illegal drugs in the area.

Earlier this month officers executed six warrants at addresses across Leyland and Chorley following information received from the public.

Advertisements

Read More: Images released in police crackdown on motorbike nuisance in Preston parks 

These raids led to the arrest of 10 people as part of police investigations on suspicion of drug-related offences. They have since all been released under investigation.

As a result of that work a significant amount of class A drugs, including suspected cocaine and heroin were seized, as well as over £8,000 in cash.

This week saw a further four arrests as the team continued work disrupting suspected organised criminal activity.

Two men were arrested in Leyland on Monday after officers stopped a car and recovered suspected crack cocaine and cannabis and a large amount of cash.

On Wednesday, task force officers acting on intelligence stopped a vehicle in Chorley and found suspected heroin and crack cocaine.

Supt Karen Edwards, Operations Manager for South Division, said: “The communities in Leyland and Chorley will not tolerate criminality in their area. This is a fantastic example of proactive policing which has resulted in a number of arrests.

See the latest crime information in your area

“My officers will continue to act on community information and other intelligence, and will utilise all tactics available to make Leyland and South Ribble a safer place.”

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Sean Grindle, 21, of Waterloo Close, Liverpool, and Sam Higgins, 22, of no fixed address, were charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and possession of criminal property.

Grindle was also charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failure to stop, driving without a license and insurance. They have both since appeared before Preston magistrates.

Read More: Community Action Fund relaunched to help keep Preston safe

Gary Byrne and Rebecca Harrison-Abbott, both 30 and of Brighton Street Chorley, have each been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Byrne has also been charged with driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. They were due to appear at Preston Magistrates Court this morning.

The arrests were made following information received by members of the public through Lancashire Talking, Lancashire Police’s neighbourhood policing tool.

To report criminal activity in your area call the police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines