A MAJOR police operation in Flintshire led to five arrests as well as the seizure drugs, counterfeit tobacco and vapes.

Operation Liberator was a Flintshire North-led day of action, launched to tackle serious and organised crime locally, including County Lines drug dealing, immigration and illegal sales of tobacco products.

During the operation today (Wednesday, September 18) officers, alongside local policing teams, worked with partners to dismantle suspected gangs and criminals, and safeguard young and vulnerable people at risk of criminal exploitation.

Activity included drugs warrants, disrupting suspected travelling criminals within the locality, and identifying immigration offences which included routine checks and examinations of HGV’s passing through the area.

British Transport Police officers supported the operation by conducting both visible and plain clothes patrols in the areas of Flint and Shotton railway stations to target those intent on using the rail network as part of their criminal activity within Flintshire.

The Motor Insurance Bureau also assisted Immigration and Traffic Officers which resulted in a stolen vehicle being recovered in Flint. Several vehicles were reported for various traffic offences including insecure loads.

The local Neighbourhood policing team visited individuals suspected to be vulnerable to cuckooing, offering advice and support. They also conducted reassurance patrols around retail premises.

Warrants were executed simultaneously across two addresses which led to the recovery of a quantity of drugs.

A 30 year old man was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle dangerously, failing to stop, conspiring to possess a firearm without certificate, disqualified driving , possession of cannabis, and possession of offensive weapons.

A second man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, money laundering and their vehicle was seized for no insurance and no driving licence.

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A third person was arrested on suspicion of three counts of shoplifting, while two others were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences including working in breach of bail conditions.

Three premises were visited in Flint, all of which were found to be selling counterfeit vapes and tobacco products. In total, 18 bags of illegal vapes and a significant amount of counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco were seized.

Flintshire North Inspector Wesley Williams said: “This day of action highlights the work we do day in, day out, to crackdown on county lines and the organised criminals involved in the supply of drugs in Flintshire.

“Today’s results are testament to the effective joint working between forces and partners.

“Anyone who abuses vulnerable people and causes fear to our communities should expect firm and relentless action to be taken against them.

“However, today’s activity doesn’t stop here and we will continue our pursuit to protect our community, and making North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit in the UK.”