Six arrests in Wigan as police run major regional county lines operation

Weapons, drugs and large amounts of cash were seized in the borough during the operation.

Officers stopped a black Mercedes on City Road and found an air rifle in the boot on July 8. The driver failed an alcohol test at the roadside and checks discovered he was disqualified from the road.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and possession of a firearm.

A man was also stopped outside Wigan Wallgate station attempting to discard a large amount of drugs. A woman then turned up at the police station and began acting aggressively towards officers.

A man, aged 27, and a woman, aged 38, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and for being involved in the supply of drugs.

Officers also arrested two people, a man and a woman both aged 23, on suspicion of money laundering after around £10,000 in Scottish notes was discovered in searches at Wigan North Western.

Police say the duo had arrived in the borough on a train which came from Aberdeen.

The operation continued on July 13 and another arrest was made at Wigan North Western after officers found a machete.

A man has been charged with possession of a blade.

A number of arrests were also made in Liverpool and at other locations across Merseyside during the operation, which involved Merseyside Police, Greater Manchester Police, the British Transport Police and Cheshire Police.

Inspector Kate Wilkinson from Merseyside Police said: “Criminals often use children and vulnerable members of the community to transport and supply drugs, a model known as county lines drugs supply.

“Being involved in this type of crime is extremely dangerous. When someone starts moving drugs and weapons from place to place, you never know who you might come into contact with and you could end up seriously injured if not worse.

“It is paramount that people tell us if they know who is committing these crimes so we can ensure the safety of our communities.

“Recent arrests in Wigan show the benefit of partnering with surrounding forces and I hope this shows the public that we will act on their information and bring offenders to justice.”

In total the two days of the regional operation resulted in 13 arrests, with 228 stop-searches being carried out.