Eighteen people have been arrested after an undercover crackdown on the drugs trade in Macclesfield.
Cocaine, heroin, cannabis and cash have all been seized as part of Operation Toadstool, launched by Cheshire Police to tackle the supply of Class A drugs in the town.
It is the latest attempt by police to tackle drugs dealers coming into the town and follows on from Operation Dizi in 2013 and Operation Dresden in 2014.
Police say this latest ‘generation’ of dealers have found new ways of pedalling narcotics by running mobile operations from cars.
They believe that dealers have given up running their operations from flats and houses in the town following previous crackdowns.
As a result Operation Toadstool involved the Eastern Area Crime Car team aiming to intercept drug dealers.
Seven people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, four people were arrested on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine and heroin, one was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis, two people were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, three people were arrested on suspicion theft, and one on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
Sergeant Simon Degg, who was in charge of Operation Toadstool, said: “This has had a huge impact on drug dealing in Macclesfield and caused considerable disruption.
“The aim of the operation was to make the lives of street dealers particularly difficult and show the community that we are here. The operation was a plain clothed operation throughout the whole of Macclesfield Town, which was led by intelligence provided by the public via their PCSOs, Crimestoppers and 101 calls.
“This operation will be resurrected in the future so please continue to call and report all suspicious activity or suspected drug dealing.” Meanwhile, police are appealing to the public to look out for the signs of cannabis cultivation in their community.
Criminal gangs grow farms in disused commercial and industrial premises and more frequently houses rented from private landlords.
Signs of cannabis cultivation include: a strong and sickly sweet smell; lighting and ventilation equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a house; and covered or blocked-off windows.
If you see anything suspicious call Cheshire Police on 101.
