Five held after drug raid on food takeaway

A GLODWICK takeaway was closed and five men arrested by police yesterday as part of an intelligence-led drug operation.

Officers working alongside Environmental Health and Licensing officials executed a warrant at 2pm at the Punjabi Takeaway, in Waterloo Street, Glodwick.

Four men, aged 53, 43, 30 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of allowing premises to be used for smoking cannabis and possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

The men are currently in police custody.

Cannabis and what is believed to be cocaine was also recovered.

Following the arrests, Environmental Health closed the premises.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team is out on patrol in the area handing out leaflets, offering advice and answering any concerns following the action. As part of the operation, Street Scene officers from Oldham Council are clearing rubbish, cutting back overgrowth and removing graffiti.

Insp Mark Davis, of Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is fantastic result that demonstrates the ongoing work we are doing in Oldham to target those involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs.

“The arrests made today are as a direct result of people providing information to police and Crimestoppers, and it is down to the community that we are able to remove drug-dealing criminals from the streets.

“Drug crime blights communities and destroys live and we will continue to work with the council and other agencies to reduce the number of drug dealers across Oldham and rid the borough of the crime and anti-social behaviour that goes with it.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The council is committed to working in partnership with the police and other partners to improve the quality of life of people in Oldham.

“Our Environmental Health, Licensing, Street Scene and Waste Management teams have worked alongside police in carrying out this operation and helping to make this area safer and cleaner for the local community.

“The success of this operation shows the strength of partnership working in Oldham, and we will continue to work in this way to ensure the streets of Oldham are safe for our residents.”

For help and information about drugs call FRANK free on 0800-776600 or go to www.talktofrank.com

To report a crime call police on 0161-872 5050 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800-555111