Eight charged and significant quantity of drugs seized in major operation in Lancashire

Operation Collier saw police carry out a number of dawn raids over the last week at addresses in Lancaster and Preston.

A number of people were arrested and significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis were recovered as part of the investigation.

Police have confirmed eight people have now been charged following the raids.

Supt Becky Smith, of West Police, said: "This has been a long-running and complex investigation into the supply of Class A and Class B drugs in the county.

"We remain committed to tackling and disrupting drug dealing activity and protecting vulnerable members of our communities.

“We need the public’s help in our efforts to tackle drug supply and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward and speak to us confident in the knowledge that we will act on that information."

Officers say the investigation is "still very much on-going" and they will be looking to arrest and charge more individuals in the coming months.

Those charged are:

- Anthony Haynes, 57, of Tristan Avenue, Walmer Bridge, Preston was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

- Ashley Haynes, 26, no fixed abode was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to conceal/transfer/remove criminal property.

- Paige Hambleton, 26, of, Mersey Street, Preston was charged with conspiracy to conceal/transfer/remove criminal property.

- Joshua Harrison, 34, of Ingleborough Road, Lancaster was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to conceal/transfer/remove criminal property.

- Sebastian Haigh, 31, of Church Brow, Lancaster was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, and conspiracy to conceal/transfer/remove criminal property.

- Michael Newsham, 30, of Barn Hey, Longton was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A.

- Ryan Alty, 30, of Belle Field Close, Penwortham was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, and conspiracy to conceal/transfer/remove criminal property.

- Leon Mansley, 33, of Hazel Grove, Preston was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to conceal/transfer/remove criminal property.

Haigh, Newsham, Alty and Mansley were due to appear at Preston Crown Court on Thursday.

Anthony Haynes, Ashley Haynes, Hambleton, and Harrison are due to appear at Preston Crown Court on January 5.

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