POLICE operations investigating the supply of cocaine and cannabis across Ellesmere Port and Chester have seen a total of 17 arrests.

Operation Heracles and Operation Leonardo, which took place today (Wednesday, March 6) targeted organised crime groups (OCGs) believed to be involved in the large scale supply of the drugs.

A total of 19 warrants were executed at addresses across Ellesmere Port and Chester with several kilos of cannabis and over £65,000 in cash seized.

A total of 17 men, aged between 22 to 33 years old were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cannabis and money laundering.

A 31-year-old from Dodleston, Chester is also being held on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The day involved more than 250 officers; including those from Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Ellesmere Port Proactive Team, and other specialist resources, including police dogs.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said:

“Today’s arrests are a result of investigations into those believed to be involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis in Chester and Ellesmere Port.

“Operation Heracles and Operation Leonardo centre on two separate OCGs responsible for the large-scale supply of cannabis and cocaine in the Ellesmere Port and Chester areas.

“Numerous search warrants have taken place this morning, with drugs, cash, and motor vehicles seized, along with kilo amounts of cannabis.

“I hope this demonstrates that our teams are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug-related crimes, and that these raids provide reassurance to the community.

“Illegal drugs have a devastating impact on local communities so by cutting off the supply and removing dealers from our streets, we are working to break the cycle of serious and organised crime and make Cheshire a safer place.

“If you believe drug criminality is taking place in your neighbourhood, please report it to us and we will do the rest.”