Cash and drugs seized in raids

Police tape outside the off-licence in Westminster Road

THOUSANDS of pounds in cash and class A drugs were found after police swooped on addresses across Hollinwood.

Officers teamed up with agencies from across the borough in a hard-hitting operation to stamp out anti-social behaviour in a day of action on Friday from 8am until midnight.

The day began with officers employing rapid entry, secure and search tactics at a number of addresses.

They were acting on intelligence gathered over several months from a number of sources, including local residents, relating to drugs and burglary offences.

Two men were arrested for possessing drugs with intent to supply in separate raids — a 27-year-old from a house in Lower Lime Road, where a substantial amount of class B drugs were found, and a 32-year-old at an off-licence in Westminster Road, where cannabis and a £30,000 cash haul were found.

Officers used a GMP drugs and cash dog, Max in the search.

Meanwhile, officers joined forces with other agencies including First Choice Homes Oldham, Oldham Council’s challenge and support team, traffic officers, licensing, immigration and education officers in the wide-ranging crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Five vehicles were seized for having no tax and/or no insurance.

And immigration teams are investigating after five staff at two off licences were found working on student visas.

Special constables and police community support officers were also drafted in to play their part.

Twenty youngsters were rounded up and returned to school on truancy patrols and a 14-year-old was caught in possession of cocaine.

Residents and councillors were also invited on walkabouts to discuss schemes to “design out crime,” and tackle litter and anti-social behaviour.

The fire service manned a position on Netto car park in Hollins Road to promote fire safety, and local pubs received a visit to check they were abiding by licensing conditions.

Officers paid a visit to Lyndhurst Primary School to talk to children about “stranger danger”, and schools were visited at home-time, when children were encouraged to take part in after-school activities.

Insp Muz Kernain, said: “We are sending out a clear message that we will respond to information received from local residents and act on it.

“Please keep the information coming in — we will act on it.