Smash and grab

Drug arrests

POLICE have made a number of arrests as part of an operation to tackle suspected traffickers and drug dealers in Oldham.

Officers from the Oldham Organised Crime Unit joined forces with a similar squad more than 100 miles away in Cleveland, in the North-East, yesterday morning, executing warrants in both areas and targeting suspected criminals allegedly involved in the Class A drugs trade.

The local unit carried out 11 warrants in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.

Six arrests were made in Oldham, three in Rochdale and two in Tameside.

Eight were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and were due before Oldham Magistrates’ Court today.

Response
They include Benjamin Graham (24), of Greenwood Street, Oldham; James Kelly (28), of Church Street, Royton; Stephen Mayall (29), of High Barn Street, Royton; David Wrigley (31), of Oldham Road, Failsworth; Jamie Knox (25), of Oakworth Croft, Oldham; Benjamin Crombie (30), of Canal View, Littleborough; Hannah Hesketh (24), of St James Street, Ashton; and Mark Dutton (57), of Nallgate, Rochdale.

A further three women arrested on suspicion of money laundering, and one man arrested on suspicion of drug offences have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Chief Superintendent Catherine Hankinson said: “This action is a response to what residents are telling us, which is to see these people taken off the streets and stop drugs from causing harm.

“None of this would be possible without the help and support of the local community, and their information is absolutely vital to us. I would continue to encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour to us.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.