A man from Rhyl has been identified as part of 18 people charged following a cross-border raid by police.

Sean Ryan, 32 of Aquarium Street, was arrested at an address in Kinmel Bay yesterday, in a dawn bust by the Cheshire Constabulary as a part of a high-profile policing operation aimed at disrupting a Warrington organised crime group.

Mr Ryan, along with 17 others from Merseyside, Warrington and Winsford were targeted by more than 200 officers from Cheshire Constabulary, in an effort to disrupt the supplying of Class A and B drugs and firearms.

Seven firearms were also recovered and taken out of circulation.

Detective Superintendent Aaron Duggan, Head of Crime at Cheshire Constabulary, said: “The coordinated arrest activity comes after 12-months of hard work. A dedicated team of officers have worked hard to gather evidence and intelligence while protecting vulnerable members of the community from those suspected of being involved in serious and organised crime.

“The investigation focused on one influential and established organised crime group in Warrington who are suspected of being involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis within the local community.

The Rhyl resident is being charged with conspiracy to supply firearms, conspiracy to transfer/supply ammunition and the production of Class B drugs.

The other 16 men, and one women, are all facing charges relating to the supply of Class A and B drugs.

All 18 have been remanded in custody after appearing at North Cheshire Magistrates Court on today. One man remains in police custody at the current time.