Police arrest 11, seize drugs and £70k cash in early morning strikes against organised crime

Yesterday morning (Thursday) eight warrants were executed simultaneously across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale to tackle a suspected criminal network involved in the distribution of class A drugs and firearms. 

Officers from Tameside Programme Challenger team, the District Intelligence Unit (DIU), and Greater Manchester Police's Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) were deployed to each of the addresses where a total of 11 people aged between 24 and 77 were arrested on suspicion of drug related offences following weeks of intelligence gathering and preparation. 

A firearms strike was also carried out at one of the addresses. 

Eight men and three women were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, being part of an organised crime group, possession with intent to supply, money laundering, and possession of an offensive weapon.

They remain in custody for questioning. 

During searches of the addresses, class A, B and C drugs including crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis and nitrous oxide were seized.

Further recoveries of £70,000 in cash, a zombie knife, a BB gun and four vehicles were also made. 

Chief Superintendent Shan Nasim, District Commander for Tameside, said: “The operation has been a powerful example of our continued, determined effort to dismantle organised crime in our district and Greater Manchester. 

“We have 11 people in custody being questioned by our investigation teams in relation to an organised crime group (OCG) that have been causing widespread harm across our communities.   

“Today's action caused significant disruption of an organised crime group (OCG) and has prevented drugs and weapons from reaching the streets, as well as the associated harms that come hand in hand with organised crime. 

“Organised criminals exploit vulnerable people and blight our communities; we will take robust action to catch offenders, keep our communities safe, and protect vulnerable people across Greater Manchester.” 

Programme Challenger brings agencies across Greater Manchester together to protect vulnerable people, dismantle criminal networks and prevent exploitation in all its forms. 

Members of the public are encouraged to share intelligence, which remains vital in disrupting criminal networks.

GMP and partner agencies are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people who are victims of crime or at risk of committing offences.   

If you are concerned about criminal activity in your area, contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, via 0800 555 111.

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