Gang charged after Blackpool ‘county lines’ drugs raid
They're accused of smuggling heroin and cocaine into the town
Eight men and two women were arrested in three days of raids aimed at tackling county lines drugs gangs.
Addresses in Blackpool and Manchester were visited and searched as part the of activity, codenamed Operation Mallard.
Various items were seized during the raids including mobile telephones, SIM cards and cannabis.
The following have since been charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, between 23 October 2017 and 3 May 2018.
Kane Hopkins, 24, of Ivy Street, Manchester. He has been remanded and his next appearance is on the Wednesday, January 2nd at Preston Crown Court.
Reece Barlow, 20, of Charles Street, Blackpool. He has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
Theresa Ratcliffe, 34, of Albert Road, Blackpool. She has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
Dean Bennett, 33, of Spencer Court, Blackpool. He has also been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
Jamie Copeland, 35, of no fixed address. He has been bailed to an address in Bradford and is to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday, January 2nd.
Aaron Scott, 23, of Cunliffe Road, Blackpool. He has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
Nikolaos Mandylakis, 49, of Cragg Street, Blackpool. He has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
Kelly Jones, 35, of Clevedon Road, Blackpool has been bailed. She has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
Dale Harrison, 22, of Grange Road, Blackpool. He has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
James Baillie, 39, of Moore Street, Blackpool. He has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 14th).
“My message is clear to these gangs; you are not welcome here"
DCI Rebecca Smith from Blackpool Police said: “We are continuing to tackle the issue of the supply of class A drugs from Manchester making their way on to the streets of our town and will continue to arrest those we believe are involved.
“We are working closely with colleagues in other police forces along with our partners, local authorities, health and social services to tackle county lines criminal activity so that we can keep our communities safe.
“My message is clear to these gangs; you are not welcome here in Blackpool and if you continue to move and deal drugs here, we will find you.
“We need the public to continue to work with us to help us tackle drug crime by informing us of any suspicious activity.”