UPDATE - Ten people charged in connection with the importation of illegal drugs

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 18 February 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 Shrewsbury Street, Prees, near Whitchurch

• Jessica Bowater, 25, of Shrewsbury Street, Prees, near Whitchurch

• Jason Bowater, 25, of Geenfield 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 19 March.