Early morning raids see six arrested after drugs and weapons found

Police officers executed warrants at six addresses in North Manchester yesterday (Thursday) as part of an on-going investigation into the supply of Class A substances across the area.

At around 6am officers raided an address on Lunn Avenue in Abbey Hey where a cannabis farm and a large quantity of Class A drugs were seized and taken away in evidence.

A stolen moped was also found at the address.

A total of four people were arrested at the Lunn Avenue address on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B, cultivation of cannabis and theft of a motor vehicle.

This includes:

• A 58 year old male

• A 29 year old female

• A 48 year old female

• A 22 year old female

A further 26-year-old man was arrested at an address on Heather Street in Clayton after evidence of drug supply was found along with a stolen motorbike, machete, axe and pickaxe.

He was arrested for the theft of a motor vehicle and Conspiracy to supply Class A substances.

At an address on Walsden Street in Clayton, a 31-year-old male was arrested after a quantity of Class A drugs linking to drug supply were recovered after the male attempted to flee from officers.

He was arrested on suspicion of Possession with intent to supply class A substances.

Two dogs were also seized by police officers after becoming concerned for their welfare and deemed to have suffered severe neglect at an address on Himley Road in Clayton, they are currently being cared for and will be nourished back to full health.

The raids were part of Operation Defend, a large scale operation focused on the infiltration and takedown of drug crime in the city.

Enquiries are ongoing and all suspects have been released under investigation.

Constable Zac Campbell of the North Manchester Intelligence Development Unit said: "Our officers are committed to combatting criminal groups across our city.

"The drugs and weapons seized today can cause psychological and physical harm as well as societal damage, and we are intent on catching those we suspect of being offenders.

"We want anyone with suspicions or concerns about the supply of drugs in their area to come forward to police and tell us in confidence, so we can continue to take this kind of action."

Those with information or concerns around crime in Manchester should report it to police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk or 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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