Eight people believed to be part of a criminal network which attempted to import more than 20 tonnes of Class A and B drugs to the UK

Eight people believed to be part of a criminal network which attempted to import more than 20 tonnes of Class A and B drugs to the UK over the past 18 months have been arrested by SOCA in operations across England today.The eight men and women are suspected of using a number of 'paper' companies as a front for their activity, and employing business service centres across the UK to unwittingly receive packages of cocaine and cannabis on their behalf.Four arrests in the Greater Manchester area, two in Hampshire, one in Grimsby and one in Hartlepool follow a SOCA investigation which identified connections between several drugs seizures by police in the UK and Spain.
The suspects have been taken to Greater Manchester for interview, where SOCA is being supported by Greater Manchester Police. They face charges of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs between February 2007 and March 2010.Two 52 year old men were arrested in Hampshire, a 30 year old man and a 31 year old man were arrested in Bolton, a 46 year old man was arrested in Walkden, Salford, a 27 year old woman was arrested in Trafford Park, a 26 year old woman was arrested in Grimsby, and a 25 year old man was arrested in Hartlepool.