Early wake-up call for Preston drug gangs as Operation Lion continues

Officers have so far arrested 10 people and are targeting a total of 29 in an attempt to severely disrupt organised crime gangs in the city.

Snatch squads swooped on six addresses on Monday, making arrests and searching homes for drugs, cash and weapons.

A similar number were visited yesterday, with police also out before dawn to surprise their targets.

And the raids continued at breakfast-time this morning with the aim of dismantling the organised crime groups who peddle misery in the city.

A police spokesman said last night: “Over the two days so far we have made 10 arrests and four of those have been charged so far and remanded.”

Charges include conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and supply of controlled drugs.

DCI Steve Holgate said: “These warrants are part of the wider Operation Nexus which has been going on for the past 12 months. We are targeting those who engage in organised crime and the violence associated with it.”

The raids follow weeks of covert surveillance, sparked by information from the public. Police say the high profile operation is intended to maintain a “relentless pressure” on crime groups operating across Preston.