Six held by drugs swoop officers

A pensioner was one of six people still being held by police today after a major swoop on an alleged money laundering network operating around Wolverhampton.

Police discovered a loaded gun, at least £50,000 in cash and several kilos of cannabis in early morning raids involving 100 officers yesterday.

Among those arrested was Darren Bradley, the 41-year-old boss of Elite Tanning studios which has five branches in and around Wolverhampton including shops on Stafford Road and Bilston High Street, and others in Sedgley and Coseley.

He was arrested at his £500,000 home on Penn Road, close to Penn Common along with his 45-year-old wife Sharon.

A £130,000 Bentley was one of a number of cars seized as officers searched homes in areas including Penn, Bradley and Bilston.

Police say they are investigating allegations of drug dealing and money laundering. Eight people were initially arrested yesterday and a further handful were held later in the day. Some have now been bailed, but both Darren and Sharon Bradley are among those who remain in police custody today along with a 64-year-old woman.