Nine arrested as police investigate ‘drug gangs that prey on vulnerable’

Today (July 3), nine people have been arrested in Rossendale and Rochdale areas as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of class A drugs in East Lancashire.

Police are also looking to speak to three other people as part of the investigation.

Those arrested, aged between 27 and 57, are all currently in custody.

Police would also ask Frankie Taylor, 32, of Booth Crescent, Waterfoot; James West, 30, of Hammerton Green, Bacup and Anthony McKenna, 37, of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, to come forward as part of the investigation.

DCI John Roy, of East CID, said: “This morning’s activity is just a snapshot of the work we do across Lancashire every day to disrupt organised crime gangs.

“These gangs’ prey on the vulnerable, including children, and exploit them at will, often leaving their victims with devastating long-term consequences.

“These arrests are a message to those who consider engaging in these activities in Lancashire. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those responsible and remove them from our streets.

"I want to thank the community for their continued support, and I hope that seeing these results encourages them to continue to report suspicious activity, either directly to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers."

If you believe that someone may be involved in drugs activity in your area, you can report it to police by calling 101.

Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report your concerns anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.