BREAKING: Arrests in drugs crackdown

Police targeted organised crime gangs in the four day operation aimed at taking class A drugs off the streets of the resort.

Heroin and crack cocaine were recovered during the operation which was carried out between Monday and Thursday.

Det Sgt Angela Grey, of Blackpool Police, said: “Operation Dauntless has been on-going throughout the week and has included targeted activity to disrupt those suspected of criminal activity, resulting to date in eight people being arrested and six people being charged.

“Drug dealers prey on and exploit the most vulnerable in our communities. This operation was aimed at disrupting and dismantling gangs, taking drugs out of circulation and making the Fylde coast a safer place.

“Drugs wreck and ruin lives and officers at Lancashire Police will use a variety of tactics to target those who deal drugs.”

Mark Ellis, 42, of Banks Street, Blackpool, was charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply crack cocaine. He was remanded to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on May 24.

Luke Ball, 27, of no fixed abode, was charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply crack cocaine. He was remanded to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on May 24.

Stewart Cunningham, 51, no fixed abode, was charged with supplying heroin and appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on May 25.

Jamie Astbury, 35, of Yorkshire Street, Blackpool, was charged with four offences of supplying heroin and remanded to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on May 26.

Rickford Vance-Carradice, 51, of Dickson Road, Blackpool, was charged with possessing heroin and supplying heroin. He was bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on June 8.

A 17-year-old male from Huddersfield was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and bailed to appear at Blackpool Youth Court on June 9.

A 30-year-old man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug. He was bailed to June 7.

A 36-year-old man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and released no charge.