Jun 14 2011

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/06/14/flintshire-family-charged-with-importing-heroin-and-money-laundering-55578-28871996/

FOUR members of the same family have been charged with importing heroin and money laundering worth a total £120,000.

Mum Margaret Rose Calvert, her two sons and daughter, appeared before Wrexham Magistrates yesterday. They were arrested at the family home in Bryn Road, Connah’s Quay on Friday.

Richard Giuseppe Calvert and Simon Ian Lee Calvert, all of Bryn Road, and Maria Calvert, of Foel Gron, Bagillt, all face the same charges as their mother, that between December 1 2010 and June 11 this year they conspired to import heroin, and laundering cash.

It follows a major covert operation by North Wales Police lasting several months.

During the course of the investigation police said a significant quantity of heroin, which had been imported from abroad, was recovered with a street value of £50,000. The four are jointly accused of laundering a further £70,000.

A number of search warrants were executed in Flintshire on Friday in relation to the investigation and arrests were made. A 66-year-old man from Nercwys has also been bailed pending further enquiries.

Yesterday morning Simon Calvert, 37, dressed in a red T-shirt, and Richard Calvert, 32, wearing a blue top, were brought up from the cells at Wrexham Magistrates to hear the charges.

The brothers confirmed their names, addresses and dates of birth. There was no application for bail and the two were remanded in custody until the case comes before Mold Crown Court on June 24.

Margaret Calvert, who is also a gran, and her daughter, mum-of-four Maria Calvert, 34, were brought up from the cells at the magistrates in the afternoon.

A bail application for Margaret Calvert, dressed in a pink cardigan and dark top, and Maria Calvert, wearing a light top, was refused by magistrates. They were remanded in custody and will also appear at Mold Crown Court on June 24.

Det Insp Sion Williams said: “North Wales Police are committed to tackling drugs and have a highly effective, dedicated team of officers to tackle serious and organised crime.”

He added: “In the same week, our team have arrested and charged another 10 individuals in relation to a separate investigation into the supply of Class A controlled drugs in the North Wales area.”