NINE men suspected of being involved in an organised crime drug ring have been arrested following a string of raids in Crewe and Nantwich.

Officers from Cheshire Police arrested eleven people yesterday as part of Operation Impact, which targeted people involved organised crime and illegal drugs.

Nine warrants were executed at addresses across the Crewe area, including in Nantwich, Leighton and Haslington. A tenth warrant was carried out at an address in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

As a result of the warrants officers arrested nine men on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs. They are currently being held in police custody.

Two men were also arrested at Risley prison and are being held on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs.

Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "This morning’s warrants were the culmination of many months of work focusing on individuals suspected of being involved in organised crime and illegal drugs.

"Were here for communities and operation Impact reinforces our commitment in targeting those people that undermine the lives of local peoples and bring misery to residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs.

"This sort of behaviour can have a major impact on local communities. It is an issue the force takes extremely seriously and we devote all the resources we can to tracing those responsible and disrupting their behaviour."

As well as the eleven arrests officer also seized six vehicles and a quantity of cash under the proceeds of crime act, they included a BMW 530, a Subaru Impreza and a AMG Mercedes.

Anyone with any information in relation to drug use and supply in their area should contact the police on 101.

Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.