POLICE carried out drugs raids at 10 different addresses across St Helens today.

The simultaneous warrants took place on Union Street, Lord Street, Queens Street, Grove Street, Pennine Drive and Stainton Close in St Helens.

They also swooped at Edward Street and Church Street, both in Haydock. 

During the day’s activity, officers arrested seven people and seized drugs, drug dealing paraphernalia and cash.

St Helens Star:

Sniffer dogs were involved in the operation

Officers also made a series of stop searches.

Inspector Rob Budden said: “Warrants are hugely important when it comes to bringing offenders to justice.

"However this is one of the final parts of the puzzle.

"Before any warrant can take place, we must spend a lot of time scoping out the area, speaking to the community and piecing together the full picture of potential criminality taking place.” 

Police made a series of arrests.

A 42-year-old man from Lord Street, St Helenson suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of criminal property and obstructing police.

A 33-year-oldman from Blackbrook Road, St Helenson suspicion of Possession of a Controlled Class B Drug.

Three men aged 17, 21 and 40 as well as a 35-year-old woman from Haydock were arrested during the warrant on Edward Street on suspicion of Possession with intent to supply Class A and B and Possession of criminal property.

A 58-year-old man from Stainton Close, St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Possession of a controlled Class A drug. 

All those arrested were taken to custody for questioning. 

Inspector Budden added: “We conduct this style of policing regularly to ensure those living, working and visiting St Helens are protected. We will continue to listen to the public’s concerns and act on any information given to us. 

“This activity helps us to disrupt organised crime, gain intelligence and safeguard people who may be being exploited. 

“Information from our communities plays a vital part in bringing offenders to justice, so I would like to encourage the public to continue to come forward to us, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously, so that we can take action.”