Warrington police officers resign after drugs arrest (From This Is Cheshire)

Warrington police officers resign after drugs arrest

7:20am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News Exclusive By Matthew Hobbs

TWO Warrington police officers have been arrested for dealing drugs.

One of the accused pair, a 29-year-old man, was picked up in the centre of Manchester on January 18 at 8pm.

The second, a 33-year-old man, was arrested at his home in Warrington later that evening.

Both have been bailed until next Thursday, February 16 on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs, and committing misconduct in public office.

They were serving officers in the town at the time of arrest, but have resigned following the allegations.

It is believed they were police constables based at Arpley Street police station.

Officials at Cheshire Police have refused to name them.

A third man, 32-year-old Bledi Malecaj, of no fixed abode, was also arrested in Manchester on January 18.

He is believed to have met with one of the suspected officers and has since pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

The arrests were part of an investigation by Cheshire Police Professional Standards Department.

Simon Roberts, chairman of the Cheshire Police Federation, said: “As a police officer you expect a certain level of standards, a high level of standards.

“It’s not acceptable if these officers have been involved in some kind of drugs transaction.

“At this time no one has been found guilty. People who have worked with these officers have been shocked by these allegations.

“If it transpires there is an admission of guilt I think the officers in Warrington will feel completely let down with these actions. It will make their job more difficult.”