£50,000 discovered as part of drug dealing crackdown in Preston

£50,000 in cash was discovered as part of drug dealing crackdown in Preston.

A number of arrests were made by Preston Task Force, following concerns raised by the public around drug dealing in areas of Preston.

The first occurred on Wednesday 10th April and relates to a stop search conducted on a male, who the community had contacted us about being involved in selling drugs.

The 26-year-old male was sighted on Meadow Street in Preston and was searched under Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act. He was found to have an extendable baton on his person. After a further search, several separate wraps of suspected cocaine were located, along with two mobile phones. He was arrested, however has since been bailed whilst the investigation is ongoing.

On Thursday 11th April, Preston Task Force officers were back on Meadow Street where they have stop searched a second male using powers under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The male was quietly confident holding his shopping but a large quantity of drugs (Cocaine) was found in his rucksack. The males address was searched and further quantities of Cocaine and Cannabis and several thousand pounds in cash were seized.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Marquis Africa, 27, of Owtram St, Preston was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A and money laundering. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates Court.

Finally on Friday 12th April, officers conducted another intelligence led stop of a motor vehicle on Hawarden Road in Fishwick. The driver was found to have no driving licence and insurance. However, after a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act search a large quantity of controlled drugs (Heroin & Crack Cocaine) were located on his person.

The male was arrested, and addresses were searched where over £50,000 was located and seized. A 33-year-old female was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Michael Brennan, 43, of Broughton St, was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drugs of Class A, money laundering and driving offences. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates Court. The 33-year-old female has been released on bail.

Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire. It aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.