A North Lanarkshire man has been charged after more than £6 million worth of cannabis was seized during a massive multi-agency operation.

Craig Tomlinson from Motherwell was charged with supplying class B drugs after British Transport Police officers targeted key stations in Manchester on Monday and Tuesday last week as information led to a search of three addresses.

The multi-agency operation, dubbed Op Blume, was led by a specialist BTP County Lines task force and deployed officers from the Dog Squad, the Neighborhood Policing Team, the Operational Support Unit, plainclothes officers and knife arches .

Tomlinson was among nine people arrested after 45 stop searches were carried out over the two days and three addresses in Manchester, Rochdale and West Mercia were searched.

British Transport Police by provided

A shipment of cannabis worth £6.1 million and heroin and crack cocaine were seized, while a knife and £30,000 in cash were also found during the search operation.

Two children were identified and referred to the safeguarding services after officers made vital interventions on the rail network.

An adult was also protected at a cuckoo address in the Manchester area.

Det. Sup. Craig Payne from the County Lines Taskforce said: “This was a hugely successful operation which once again demonstrates the effectiveness of our specialist County Lines team in dismantling and disrupting criminal networks and protecting young and vulnerable people from harm.

“Our dedicated team work across the rail network every day tackling this exploitative activity and are essential in intercepting the supply of drugs and delivering safeguarding interventions to protect vulnerable people from ruthless gangs.”

British Transport Police by provided

Xiaowu Chen, 56, from Manchester was also charged with being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (cannabis), while a 17-year-old from West Mercia was also charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property.

Tomlinson, 50, appeared before Carlisle magistrates on Thursday and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Manchester Crown Court on December 12.

Det. Sup. Craig Payne added: “Robust operations like this happen every day on the rail network to disrupt County Lines. Sometimes you’ll notice us, sometimes you won’t.

“Our mission remains to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises and identify and protect those who are being exploited and relentlessly pursue those who have targeted them.

“We will not waver in our determination to stop the exploitation and associated damage caused by county line gangs, making communities and railroads safer.

“We urge anyone who uses the rail network to report any concerns to us via our discreet text number 61016 or by call 0800 40 50 40 and be aware that victims of exploitation may not always be obvious or aware that they are indeed victims.”

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