The day started at 7.00 am with a briefing from the neighbourhood sergeant. At the meeting were members from the armed response team, drug team, neighbourhood officers and Arena Homes ASB officers. The meeting addressed the operational side of the action plan and potential risks for officers entering the property.

A convoy of Police vehicles, followed by the ASB Officers drove through Warrington and attended the property at approximately 7.30am. Approximately eight officers wearing body-suit armour forced entry to the property using a ‘sledgehammer’. After securing the property members of the drug unit, including a German Shepard Alsatian searched the property for illegal substances, with Arena Homes ASB Officers in attendance. A sizable amount of money, in the thousands, was seized from the property. Neither tenant had any source of income which they could legally declare to Arena Homes or the Police. The property also contained top of the range electronic equipment and two new prestige cars in the driveway.

Both residents have been charged with money laundering; a number of other offences are also being considered. Arena Homes are working closely with Cheshire Police and are in the process of serving a Notice of Seeking Possession for the tenancy.

The Operation was in response to information supplied by the general public, including Arena Homes tenants and was executed with two clear objectives; one to address the individuals conduct and two to demonstrate that Cheshire Police and Arena Homes will not tolerate drug dealing in our communities. It is envisaged by Arena and Cheshire Police that the impact of this operation will restore faith back to the community; by working together (public and agencies) we can make a difference.  Drug dealing will not be tolerated.