Staffordshire Police Economic Crime Unit carried out an operation in April 2006 which resulted in various people arrested under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The search warrants were executed on 18 residential and commercial properties in Leek, Cheddleton, Cheadle, Tamworth and Uttoxeter.

Three men and three women, aged between 30 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of unlawful retention or disposal of criminal property and/or money laundering.

More than one hundred officers took part in the operation including specialist financial investigators from the force’s economic crime unit. Assistance was also provided by officers from the West Midlands RART.

The operation is the result of an investigation into alleged criminal assets of a convicted drug dealer who is currently serving a prison sentence for drug offences.

A variety of items of property, including cash, have been recovered that are believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Head of Staffordshire Police's economic crime unit, DI Keith Colley, said:

“Today’s operation should send a clear message to that small number of people in our community who look forward to returning to an affluent lifestyle once their prison sentence is served. Neither Staffordshire Police nor the law abiding members of our community find that situation acceptable.”

“We will continue to investigate and carry out similar operations. If you don’t want a criminal record and run the risk of imprisonment, don’t help those who are, or who have been involved in crime, to dispose of or hide their ill-gotten gains.

“If anyone is suspicious about a person’s sudden wealth, they should ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

In the year from April 2005 to March 2006 a team of officers from the economic crime unit dedicated to investigate this type of crime, have seized money and assets valued at £1.2million.

DI Colley went on to say:

“That is a tremendous achievement that reflects the dedication of those specialist officers with the support of colleagues around the county. We are looking forward to the challenge of exceeding those targets during the next financial year.”