A two-day joint operation by Cheshire Constabulary and the British Transport Police dismantled an active drug line and rescued six children in Chester and Warrington during the week of February 9, 2026.
Police arrested 13 people for several crimes, including growing cannabis and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. During the crackdown, officers executed five search warrants in Chester and stopped 39 people in the street to check for items like cash and mobile phones used to run drug lines.
The six children found at risk of being used by the gang were given immediate protection and support from social care experts. Detective Inspector Brian Buddo, of the BTP County Lines Taskforce, explained that these safeguarding measures potentially saved six lives by removing the children from criminal exploitation.
Inspector James Wilson, from the Chester Local Policing Unit, said this work is a major blow to the drug supply in the area. Officers have asked residents to keep an eye out for signs of gang activity on the rail network while investigations into the network continue.
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