Three people arrested in raids across Staffordshire
The force have been targeting organised crime and drugs trafficking
Three people have been arrested in dawn raids in Staffordshire today (Tuesday 29 April), as part of an investigation into organised medicines trafficking.
Officers forced entry at addresses in Wombourne, Codsall and Pattingham.
Warrants also took place across the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Merseyside following an intelligence-led investigation, codenamed Operation Subaru, by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) criminal enforcement unit.
In Staffordshire Police have arrested:
A 59-year-old man, from the Wombourne area,
A 52-year-old man, from the Codsall area
A 58-year-old man, from the Pattingham area,
All have been arrested on suspicion of supplying a drug of temporary class drug order, of participating in the activities of an organised crime group and concealing/disguising/converting/transferring, removing/criminal property.
They remain in police custody at this time.
Sergeant Dave Shorter, from our south Staffordshire local policing team (LPT) said:
“Our involvement in this operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the public and going after criminal gangs who bring misery to our communities. We continue to do all we can to disrupt the supply of illegal substances in Staffordshire.”
Around 150 officers in total were deployed in today’s action, with MHRA staff supported by Staffordshire Police, West Midlands and North West Regional Organised Crime units, the National Crime Agency and Greater Manchester Police.
Twelve suspects have been arrested on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group (OCG), conspiracy to sell or supply controlled drugs and unlicensed medicines, and money laundering.
In searches of 22 residential and commercial premises, hundreds of thousands of doses of medicines have been seized, including controlled drugs such as opioid painkillers and anti-anxiety medicines, around £100,000 in cash, luxury watches and suspected criminal assets held in cryptocurrency.
The MHRA has also obtained restraint orders for more than £3.5 million in assets suspected to be linked to criminal activity.
Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit, said:
“Operation Subaru is the largest investigation we’ve ever undertaken and demonstrates the MHRA’s commitment to protecting the public by dismantling the organised international criminal networks that cause so much harm.
“I’m extremely grateful to each of our law enforcement partners involved today for their substantial, enthusiastic and unwavering support.”