Three arrested in Blackpool raids into drugs supply and human trafficking

Officers from Blackpool Police’s Criminal Exploitation Team, supported by Blackpool Council, carried out raids at addresses in the resort today (Thursday) as part of Operation Bethnall, a major investigation into drugs supply and human trafficking offences in Grange Park.

Today’s warrants were conducted following intelligence suggesting teenagers are being used and forced to deal drugs in the area.

A quantity of suspected cocaine, cannabis and diazepam as well as cash, has been seized.

Today, a 44-year-old woman from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

A 22-year-old man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug and human trafficking.

A 15-year-old boy from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

All are currently in custody.

A fourth person, Jack Sanderson, 20, of Larbreck Avenue, Blackpool is wanted by police in connection with the operation.

Det Sgt Steve Montgomery, of Lancashire Police, said: “We are committed to tackling drugs supply and exploitation of all kinds and we continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.

“These raids follow a major investigation by police at Blackpool targeting individuals we suspect are using teenagers to deliver and supply drugs in the Grange Park area.

“While we have made a number of arrests, Jack Sanderson is wanted by police as part of this operation – we would encourage anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

“We welcome any community intelligence that may help to identify addresses where drugs supply and modern slavery may be taking place.

"If you suspect suspicious activity is taking place, please let us know. We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly.”

Det Sgt Montgomery added: “Human trafficking can also be a part of modern slavery as a person is moved from one place to another.

"This could be country to country, town to town, or even as simple as one room in a building to another. Even if a victim agrees to be moved, trafficking could still be taking place.

“Unfortunately, few people understand modern slavery and many confuse it with ‘migrant working’ or ‘illegal immigration’.

“It's a problem that affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities, and affects people from Britain and abroad.

“Victims are generally living in fear. They don't fully understand what's happening to them and comply with their abusers in hiding the reality.

"They daren't speak up because their traffickers threaten them and their families with violence.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool Council will do whatever is necessary to protect its young people. In this particular case, our children’s social care team has played an integral role in working alongside other agencies to identify a situation where young people might be at risk.

"This type of partnership working is invaluable in protecting vulnerable children and we hope it sends out a very clear message that by sharing our combined knowledge, insights and experience we can and will make crucial interventions.”

For advice and support for victims and those with suspicions, please call the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700 or visit lancashire.police.uk/modernslavery