10:55am Wednesday 8th July 2009
DRUGS with an estimated street value of more than £1million were snatched in a swoop on a lock up garage cutting off supplies to a nearby Leigh estate.
An early morning raid by officers from the GMP Proactive Unit netted 7Kilos on uncut heroin, 25 kilos of adulterant (mixing agent), 11/2 ounces of prepared Class 'A' drugs and drug paraphernalia from the premises in Manchester Road.
A further one and a half ounces of heroin were recovered from a car.
David Fairhurst, 46, of no fixed address, later appeared before Wigan Magistrates’ Court and was remanded on charges of possession and intent to supply heroin, possession of a class B drug and theft.
He was due to make a second appearance via video link today (Wednesday) and faces committal proceedings on August 24.
As a result of the huge heroin haul the Wigan and Leigh Drug and Alcohol Service is urging addicts whose supply chain has been affected to seek help.
Detective Sergeant John Davies said: “A recovery of this size is a massive blow against the organised sale of Class A drugs and will have a significant impact on those who use illegal drugs and who commit crime to fund their habit.
"This result demonstrates to the people of Leigh and Wigan that we are working tirelessly to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal drugs and bring those responsible to justice.
"Those involved in such criminal activity blight the lives of those around them and this latest recovery will reassure residents that the police take the fight against drugs and the criminal activity associated with drugs extremely seriously."
Pat Keane, Wigan Council’s Drug and Alcohol business manager said: ”It’s great news that the police have managed to take a huge amount of these drugs off the street and this now provides addicts with an great opportunity to seek treatment for their addiction.
“If there is anyone out there who is having difficulty dealing with their habit as a result of this drugs seizure we would urge them to make contact with local drug services and find out what help is available.”
“We provide a range of services from help and advice in dealing with a drugs problem, accessing treatment programmes, right through to find training and job opportunities once addicts are on the road to recovery.
“It’s a difficult first step to take but we would urge people to come forward and make contact. All it takes is one call to our free helpline and it could be the beginning of a really positive course of action.”
The services can be contacted in confidence on a free phone helpline on 0800 389 4463.
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