Police say they are winning the war on drugs after seizing thousands of pounds worth of cocaine, heroin and cannabis in Macclesfield.

A major crackdown was launched three months ago, which has resulted in:

  • 60 people being arrested on drugs charges

  • The seizure of £18,000 worth of illegal drugs

  • A stun gun and meat cleaver being confiscated

  • More than £8,000 has been taken from people suspected of being involved in dealing.

Inspector Steve Griffiths, head of Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “Operation Dizi has exceeded expectations.

“We are winning the war on drugs as throughout the town we are taking people off the streets, and drug dealers from other areas know now to stay clear of Macclesfield.

“We are getting intelligence from the public and we would like that to continue, a lot of this good work has come from the community coming forward and we want to keep hearing from them.”

Acting Sergeant Ben Hilton, who has been in charge of the operation, said: “When you look back on what we’ve achieved in the last three months since Operation Dizi was launched I would say we are winning the war on drugs.

“The town has a lot of addicts and every day police see first hand the misery these drugs cause to the addicts themselves, and the residents and businesses who they steal from to fund their addiction.

“Sadly there is a great demand for class A drugs in Macclesfield and some people seem to think they can just come to our town and supply drugs at their leisure. They are wrong.”

Operation Dizi was launched at the beginning of June in a bid to tackle the supply of Class A drugs in the town. 

It has seen 335 wraps of cocaine and 258 wraps of heroin worth £6,000 stopped from hitting  the streets and £8,165 cash from suspected drug dealers has been confiscated.

Police have also seized cannabis worth £11,000 and amphetamine worth £372, six vehicles, eight cannabis plants, a stun gun and a meat cleaver.

The operation was launched in response to tips off from the public about drugs.

It came after three tragic deaths in Macclesfield  were linked to a deadly batch of the drug PMA, nicknamed ‘Dr Death’.

Sgt Hilton says  tip-offs from residents has been a vital component of the operation’s success.

He also praised the Express for helping publicise the police’s work.

He said: “Stories about the Operation have undoubtedly led to further tip-offs and information from residents, which have led to more arrests.

“Drugs is a huge bugbear for the people of this town and they have shown us that they will not sit by and let it ruin more lives.

“We have to be realistic and accept that drugs will always be a problem, but with the continued support of residents we can keep chipping away at it.”

Chris Ankers, Detective Chief Inspector, said: “Operation Dizi has so far has been a fantastic success. We have taken out some real high level drug dealers.

“It’s made the purchase of drugs harder and people are not going out selling drugs openly.

“Drugs will always be available, drugs will always be in demand and it’s a perpetual battle to stop people profiting from drugs. We have certainly made it much more difficult for people to get them.

“We now need people to help us continue the battle and put people behind bars.”

Five already convicted after admitting offences

  • Troy Louis, 49, was sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for 18 months at Chester Crown Court  on July 30, after admitting possession with intent to supply cannabis. He was caught with £10,000 worth of the drug at his home on Frith Terrace, The Moss.

  • Steven Day, 40, of Hobson Street, pleaded guilty to two charges of permitting premises to be used for the supply of cocaine at Chester Crown Court on September 2. He is due to  be sentenced on September 27.

  • Mucktaar Farahani, 24, of Southern Crescent, Toxteth, Liverpool, admitted two charges of possession with intent to supply a class A drug at the same hearing. He is also due to be sentenced on September 27.

  • Pensioner Geoffrey Pownall admitted possessing heroin and crack cocaine at Chester Crown Court on the same day.  Pownall, 66, of Paladin Place, Macclesfield, was caught with the drugs on June 17. He is due to be sentenced on September 24.

  • Anthony Austin, 23, of Norris Green, Liverpool, also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs at Chester Crown Court at the same hearing. He is also due to be sentenced on September 24.