Northwich police raid home as part of county lines investigation

Officers from Northwich Proactive CID stormed a house in Northwich on Friday morning amid reports of class A drug dealing.

However, on this occasion no drugs were found at the property.

Inspector Dave Levins, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Drugs have a devastating impact on our communities and the team here at Northwich are committed to doing all we can to ensure those responsible are put behind bars.

“Our aim is to make Northwich and Winsford hostile places for criminals, and we will use all the tools available to help achieve our goal.”

The warrant was carried out on Friday morning (May 3) (Image: Newsquest)

Police broke down the front door to the property, on Greenall Road, at 7.35am on Friday (May 3).

It comes after the team were granted a warrant to do so under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The suspect, a 59-year-old woman, was handcuffed as officers searched the property for drugs and paraphernalia.

Police searched the property for around half an hour but did not find anything of note.

Officers searched the property for around 30 minutes but did not find anything of note (Image: Newsquest)

The raid is the latest in a series of warrants carried out by police in Northwich as they look to crackdown on county lines drug dealing.

Inspector Levins said: “The activity in the last year alone, speaks for itself, as we have conducted multiple warrants, stop and searches and vehicle stops across Northwich and Winsford, which have resulted in multiple arrests as well as the seizure of class A and B drugs, cash, drug paraphernalia and high-value designer items.

“Thanks to this activity, dozens of offenders from across the towns are now behind bars, the most recent example being Liam Smith from Manchester who was jailed after being found with class A drugs hidden in his buttocks.”

Officers broke down the front door to gain entry into the property. Repairing it before they left (Image: Newsquest)

Other recent cases include Roy Ashbrook and Daniel Dunne, who were both jailed for three years for bringing class A drugs into Northwich from Merseyside.

Kenneth Dyson also got a three-year sentence after being caught selling cocaine.

Kyle Kirton meanwhile got five and a half years after admitting to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) and two counts of possession of criminal property.

Over in Winsford, Ryleigh Howard is serving a two-and-a-half-year stretch for dealing class A and B drugs.

“These are just some examples of the cases we’ve dealt with in the past year,” Inspector Levins added.

“However, it isn’t only about pursuing these criminals.

“We know there is also a problem with vulnerability and exploitation that comes with the county lines model, therefore, a big focus for us is identifying and engaging with vulnerable adults who are targeted and working closely with local schools to educate young children who are often coerced into this underworld by criminals.

“We have numerous departments with officers and staff using their skills, knowledge, and expertise to focus on all aspects of this crime to really make a difference in our communities.

“The ultimate aim is to make Northwich and Winsford safer for everyone.”