A MAN from Newton-le-Willows  been charged after a series of raids by the National Crime Agency.

The NCA executed search warrants at address across Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester last Thursday, September 16, in connection with an investigation into an organised crime group suspected of dealing class A and B drugs.

Eight men have since been charged by police over the operation.

They include David Jones, 37, of Harvey Avenue in Newton-le-Willows. He has been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering.

Also charged are Wesley Campbell, 37, from Kingswood, Warrington and 34-year-old Carl Pickering, from Orford, Warrington.

Campbell, of Castle Green, has faces counts of conspiracy to fraudulently evade the prohibition on importation of cocaine, conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering.

Pickering, of Hughes Avenue, has been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering.

Five men from Liverpool, aged between 25 and 40, have been charged with offences including the same counts as well as conspiracy to supply cannabis and conspiracy to supply prohibited firearms and ammunition.

All of the suspects are due to appear before Liverpool Crown Court next month.

An NCA spokesman said: “Eight men arrested by the National Crime Agency in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside last Thursday in connection with an organised crime group dealing class A and B drugs have been charged.

“The charges relate to an Operation Venetic investigation into the importation and supply of cocaine and cannabis, money laundering and a conspiracy to supply a firearm.

“Operation Venetic is the UK law enforcement response to the takedown of encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

“All defendants will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 15.”