Twenty-four people have been charged with offences of drug supply in Preston.

The charges were made as part of Operation Lagoon, a Lancashire Constabulary operation that focused on the street level supply of Class A drugs in the City Centre.

The operation identified several ‘drugs lines’ that were offering the sale of heroin and crack cocaine, and selling them throughout the area.

Officers carried out a series of warrants earlier this month, and a number of people were arrested and charged. Those charged were:

• Andrew Beattie, 7/6/72, Lychgate, Preston
• Owen Cross, 27/5/04, Rose Lane, Preston
• Marcus Knowles, 1/12/00, Kenmuire Place, Preston
• A 17-year-old youth from Preston
• Joshua Elder, 8/10/03, Dawson Walk, Preston
• Aaron Alty, 7/8/02, Pine Court, Leyland
• Mark Sowerby, 3/4/78, no fixed address
• Jessica Hindle, 6/8/79, Elcho Street, Preston
• Tammy Wane, 18/10/82, Tunbridge Street, Preston
• Michael Barr, 14/10/84, Dorman Road, Preston
• Atiq Suawar, 1/10/83, Knowles Street, Preston
• Tyrese Harrison, 14/01/01, Fishwick Parade, Preston
• A 17-year-old from Preston
• Andrew Maudsley, 12/8/90, Nelson Street, Bamber Bridge
• Jordan Watkins, 14/12/01, Abbey Street, Preston
• Leandro Licursi, 27/7/79, Greenwood Street, Preston
• David Cross, 19/7/68, Greenwood Street, Preston
• Jordan Spence, 15/8/96, Manchester Road, Preston
• Andrew Turner, 27/6/85, Eadale Court, Preston
• Daniel Mcateer, 26/12/88, Grosvenor Street, Preston
• Luis Kelly, 23/4/03, no fixed address
• Ryan Morris, 23/12/94, Turner Street, Preston
• Lyndon Ross, 29/01/88, The Sidings, Preston
• David Cocker, 14/6/73, Golbourne Street, Preston

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Det Chief Insp Zoe Russo, of South CID, said: “Tackling serious and organised crime is a force priority. It affects everyone, ruining lives, driving other crime and instilling fear in our communities.

“Lancashire Police will relentlessly pursue those involved in organised crime, disrupting and dismantling their operations.

“We will ensure those involved in serious and organised crime do not benefit financially from their activities by attacking their finances, making it harder to move, hide and use the proceeds of crime.

“We need the public’s help to combat serious and organised crime. If you know something, do something. Call independent charity Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. Giving information is always 100 per cent anonymous and secure. You may even receive a reward for your information if it leads to an arrest and charges.

“Lancashire Constabulary will investigate and act on any credible intelligence that is passed to us, using the full force of the law to crack down on offenders.

“People in Lancashire should be reassured that we are doing everything possible to bring offenders to justice and keep our local communities safe from serious and organised crime.”

Over the past year, Lancashire Police has made 855 arrests, seized over £4m of drugs, 43 vehicles and over £1/2m of cash from criminals. Around 200 vulnerable adults and children have also been safeguarded.

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