Police warning to criminals in Northwich and Winsford after raids

Operation Bigwing took place on Thursday, October 17, when officers raided four addresses in Winsford and one in Hartford after a five-month investigation into organised crime by Northwich CID.

Speaking after the raids, Superintendent Mike Ankers said: “Anti-social behaviour linked to drug supply, and people profiting from it, is a key issue for communities in Mid Cheshire.

“This operation was meant to tackle those people who pray on the vulnerable and profit.

“This is a continued effort, and it will not stop today.

Police seized property including cars, TVs, and electric bikes from home in Winsford and Northwich (Image: Cheshire Police)

“We’ve seized assets from people who have been benefitting from drug supply, including vehicles.

“We’ve also got patrols at key locations including train stations, and we will be imposing roadside stop checks.

“This is the result of us listening to the community and talking action against these criminals.”

“If you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in Winsford or Northwich, please report it to us on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and we will do the rest."

Five people were arrested in the raids on three homes in Cotswold Way, Beckenham Grove, and Westminster Grove in Winsford, and around £20,000 of cocaine was discovered at one of the addresses.

Officers assembling at Cheshire Police headquarters in Winsford (Image: Cheshire Police)

The two men, aged 39 and 35, and three women - two aged 39, and one aged 34 - were all arrested on suspicion of money laundering. 

Officers also raided an address in Beaufort Close, Hartford, and another in Winsford, on Rilshaw Lane.

During the raid in Hartford, officers arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

Meanwhile, more than £500,000 cash was recovered from the address in Rilshaw Lane where a 75-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of concealing criminal property.

Officer seized various items under the Proceeds of Crime Act, including three high-value cars, several large televisions, clothing, and other highly valuable items.