TWO men have been arrested in Warrington on suspicion of being part of a suspected organised crime group dealing in class A and B drugs and a firearm.

In total, eight men have been arrested across the north west today, Thursday, as part of a National Crime Agency investigation.

The investigation emerged from Operation Venetic – the UK’s law enforcement response to the takedown of encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

The ages of the eight suspects range from 25 to 40, and all were arrested during a series of co-ordinated strikes.

As well as two men in Warrington, one suspect was arrested in Greater Manchester, while Merseyside Police officers supporting the investigation arrested five suspects at locations across Liverpool.

The organised crime group is believed to be led by two brothers, one of whom is believed to be in Dubai. The other was arrested in January and released on bail.

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The National Crime Agency investigation is into the importation and supply of cocaine and cannabis, money laundering and a conspiracy to supply a firearm.

Branch commander Richard Davies said: “We suspect the men arrested to be part of an organised crime group that has been importing cocaine into the UK and selling it on across the country.

“As well as the international work the NCA does to fight class A drugs coming into the UK, this investigation is an example of the work we do to keep drugs – and drug dealers – away from our communities, where they have devastating consequences.

“We will continue to work with our partners abroad to target those at the top of the drugs chain, and UK partners such as Merseyside Police and Cheshire Police to protect the public.”