Four people were arrested after officers carried out dawn raids in Oldham and Tameside

Four people were arrested after officers carried out dawn raids in Oldham and Tameside on Thursday 2 November.

A total of nine properties were searched in Oldham (St Mary’s), Ashton, Audenshaw and Mossley as part of a crackdown on organised crime.

Code-named Operation Marina, the investigation particularly targets drug supply and firearms and sees officers from Tameside, Oldham, Operation Xcalibre and GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit all working together.

A total of four people - two 16-year-old boys, an 18-year-old man and a 23-year-old man - were arrested on suspicion of a number of drug-related offences including suspicion of supplying firearms, crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis. They have since been released on bail.

Among items seized included £10,000 cash, half a kilo of cocaine and quantities of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis.

Detective Sergeant Rick Arthern, from Oldham’s Organised Crime Unit, said: “These raids follow months of hard work by our officers who are dedicated to shattering crime groups who continue to feed their greed while causing misery to our communities”.

“I hope they show just how committed we are to this work which is only possible because of the community who bravely report their suspicions, as well as support from partner agencies.

“Please continue to report anything concerns you have and help us stop those who are benefitting from crime.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.