DETECTIVES investigating the importation of illegal drugs have charged 10 people following a series of dawn raids across Cheshire, North Wales and Shropshire.

The eight men and two women were all arrested on Thursday, February 18, after a series of warrants were executed at 10 addresses in Chester, Whitchurch, Saltney, Frodsham and Tarporley.

They have been charged with conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, evading a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug and money laundering offences.

Below are the details of the 10 defendants:

  • Jordan Mehta, 36, of Prees, near Whitchurch
  • Jessica Bowater, 25, of Shrewsbury Street, Prees, near Whitchurch
  • Jason Bowater, 25, of Greenfield Park, Saltney
  • Ben Pearce, 27, of Kings Drive, Helsby
  • Daniel Hewitt, 37, of Elm Close, Tarporley
  • Joshua Jones, 25, of Bakers Court, Steam Mill Street, Chester
  • Jonathon Williams, 28, of Hornsmill Way, Helsby
  • Sean Upton, 25, of no fixed abode
  • Melanie Fell, 61, of Cavendish Mews, Hough Green, Chester
  • Gary Pennington, 43, of Robin Hood Lane, Helsby

All 10 have been conditionally bailed to appear at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, March 19.