Oldham police lead the way seizing suspected criminal assets in mass haul which spans Greater Manchester

This week (Monday, February 12 - Friday, February 16), police officers from Oldham, City of Manchester, and Bury executed several simultaneous warrants across Greater Manchester which has resulted in over £350k worth of suspected criminal assets being seized under Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

These warrants are in connection with the million-pound cannabis farm bust at Mill Street, Oldham, late last year, but intelligence suggests these cannabis farms may be connected to several other criminal enterprises across Greater Manchester.

Police have remained at various scenes throughout the week conducting thorough searches of the properties.

As the week draws to an end, it’s believed assets seized are set to amount to over £350,000.

In just one property on Carlisle Close, Whitefield, police seized:

over £50k in cash

18 luxury watches including Rolex, Cartier, Tag Heuer and Breitling

nine electric mountain bikes

68 bottles of high end, vintage Champagne, many believed to be collectables

thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing

four luxury vehicles

Documentation for multiple luxury caravans in the lake district

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce cannabis, possession with intent to supply, money laundering, production of cannabis and modern day slavery offences.

A 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, possession with intent to supply.

A 52-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce cannabis and modern day slavery offences.

They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, from GMP Oldham district, said: “I understand that people may see cannabis farms as a victimless crime, but this trade is built upon exploitation of vulnerable people and attracts further criminality and violence to our communities through gang violence and addiction.

“People can make monumental profits from exploitative human labour and organised crime, and we will take great satisfaction seizing their assets and reinvesting it back into our communities who deserve it through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).

"I would like to thank the public for their continued support in assisting our work by reporting and sharing information and anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact us so we can act.”

GMP can be contacted via LiveChat on the website, www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Find out more about ARIS funding, and apply for funding for your charity or organisation here

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