Three arrested in Wrexham raids targeting drug supply in joint Merseyside operation

Members of a suspected organised crime group have today been arrested following a joint operation targeting drug supply in Wrexham.

Operation Leap saw officers from North Wales and Merseyside Police execute warrants across Caia Park and Merseyside this morning.

It comes following an eight month-long covert investigation by the North Wales Police Priority Crime Team into a suspected Class A and Class B drug supply conspiracy into Wrexham from Merseyside.

Three men from Wrexham including a 26-year-old, a 21-year-old and a 24-year-old, and two men from Merseyside, aged 40 and 49, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

A significant quantity of cash, suspected Class A and B drugs and mobile phones were seized.

All five men have been taken to Llay Police Station and remain in custody, where police say they are being questioned by detectives.

Local police added that as a result of today’s arrests, a positive action operation will follow in the Caia Park area this week, providing reassurance and support to the community.

“Operation Vardo is a multi-agency approach that will see officers and partners out in Caia Park engaging and building trust with residents and the community to protect and regenerate the area affected by crime.

“Officers will be working with residents and partners, including the local authority’s housing team, tenancy enforcement, adult and child services, public protection and education, as well as substance misuse, and other charities to build the community into a safe area and one less susceptible to being exploited by organised crime groups.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Jones said: “Today’s targeted work comes as part of Operation Leap – an eight-month investigation into a suspected drugs conspiracy in the Wrexham area.

“We have seen five arrests across Wrexham and Merseyside, and a significant amount of cash, suspected drugs and mobile phones seized as a result of the operation.

“Further work is ongoing in the community this week to in order to disrupt and prevent further organised crime groups taking control in the vacuum and help to protect those living in the area.

“Our work to rid our communities of drug crime and bring offenders to justice remains a priority.

“Drug supply leads to criminal activity, especially serious and violent crime, which causes misery and fear in our communities.

“I would urge anybody with information about drug supply in their area to speak to us so action can be taken. This information plays a vital part in identifying individuals and putting them before the courts.”