A MAN who lived in St Helens is facing new charges as part of an ongoing investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency into alleged drug trafficking and money laundering.

In total nine people are facing allegations that they were part of an organised crime gang operating out of Liverpool.

Ian Fitzgibbon, aged 38, of Heigham Gardens, St Helens, has been charged with importing heroin and conspiracy to supply heroin.

He was previously charged on October 22 with conspiracy to supply MDMA (ecstasy) and money laundering.

His brother Jason Fitzgibbon, aged 40, of Crofton Mansions, Liverpool, is accused of the same offences.

Daniel Smith, aged 26, of Warren Road, Liverpool, and Spencer Douglas, aged 44, of Budworth Drive, Liverpool also face the heroin charges.

Smith already faces an accusation of conspiracy to supply MDMA.

The additional charges were brought at Manchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Another two men – Anthony McNamee, aged 53, of Toxteth, Liverpool, and Joseph Caldwell, aged 54, of Toxteth, Liverpool – were charged with the heroin conspiracies on December 6 and December 11 respectively.

All six will appear at Manchester Crown Court on January 8 for a PCMH along with three other suspects.

Christine Fitzgibbon, 59, and William Fitzgibbon, 63, of Edale Road, Allerton, who are the brothers’ parents, were charged on 22 October with money laundering.

Neil Brown, 40, of Capella Close, Liverpool, who was charged on 22 October with conspiracy to supply MDMA.