Eight men who are suspected of being part of a drugs gang importing cocaine into the UK were arrested after police raids.
The men, who are aged between 25 and 40 were arrested on Thursday, September 16 as homes across the North West of England were raided by police simultaneously.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) raided homes alongside regional police forces and arrested two men in Cheshire, one in Greater Manchester and Merseyside Police officers supporting the investigation arrested five suspects at locations across Liverpool.
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NCA Branch Commander Richard Davies said: “We suspect the men arrested to be part of an organised crime group that has been importing cocaine into the UK and selling it on across the country.
The organised crime gang is believed to be led by two brothers, one of whom is believed to be in Dubai. The other was arrested in January and released on bail.
The NCA investigation is into the importation and supply of cocaine and cannabis, money laundering and a conspiracy to supply a firearm.
NCA Branch Commander Richard Davies said: “We suspect the men arrested to be part of an organised crime group that has been importing cocaine into the UK and selling it on across the country.
“As well as the international work the NCA does to fight Class A drugs coming into the UK, this investigation is an example of the work we do to keep drugs – and drug dealers – away from our communities where they have devastating consequences.
“We will continue to work with our partners abroad to target those at the top of the drugs chain, and UK partners such as Merseyside Police and Cheshire Police to protect the public.”
The investigation was part of Operation Venetic – the UK’s law enforcement response to the takedown of encrypted comms platform EncroChat.
