Drug dealing arrests in Newton after police 'smelled cannabis'

The Star reported earlier this week that the men had been arrested on Monday, June 17, in connection with alleged drug dealing after officers had initially attended a neighbouring property in a search for a separate wanted suspect.

A police spokeswoman said that officers had been patrolling Viaduct Street in Earlestown, when they smelled cannabis coming from a property.

Cannabis was seized by police (Image: Merseyside Police)

A search of the address was carried out and a large number of bags of drugs were recovered.

Officers discovered hundreds of individually wrapped bags of cannabis, scales, snap bags, and a large quantity of cash.

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Three men, one aged 22, from Newton-le Willows; and two aged 20, from Newton-le Willows and Haydock, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply  Class B, cannabis.

They have since been released under investigation pending further inquiries, a spokeswoman added.

How to report drug-related activity

Following the arrests, police have shared advice on spotting signs cannabis is being grown.

Some of these are:
- Strange smells and sounds
- Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
- Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
- Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed
- Heat from an adjoining property
- Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather
Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together may indicate something more suspicious

• Anyone with information on suspected drug production or criminal activity in their community can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or come forward anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.