Two men charged after 10kg cannabis haul found in Preston vehicle stop
Two men have been charged with drugs offences after police uncovered around 10 kilograms of cannabis during a proactive vehicle stop in Preston.
Officers from Lancashire Police’s Roads Crime Team became suspicious of a blue Toyota Auris as it left the M6 at Junction 31 on Friday, December 12.
The car was followed into Fulwood Row, where it pulled into a layby behind a silver Ford Connect van.
As officers approached, the van drove off down a dead-end road.
Both vehicles were stopped and searched, leading officers to discover approximately 10kg of cannabis, along with a vacuum packing machine.
The drivers of both vehicles were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drugs offences.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, police have now confirmed that Gnanappiragasam Packiyanathan Raj, 59, of Henley Road, Ilford, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis.
Besnik Shala, 48, of Leigh Road, Manchester, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing criminal property.
Both men are due to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court today.
The arrests form part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s ongoing crackdown on serious and organised crime across the county, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
The operation targets individuals and organised crime groups involved in offences such as large-scale drug supply, violence, exploitation and fraud — crimes which police say can cause significant harm to local communities.