£300,000 drug seizures in raids

POLICE raids in Oldham, Bolton, Salford and Wigan have uncovered drugs worth £300,000 and £70,000 in cash.

Greater Manchester Police worked in partnership with other agencies to undertake a series of raids, visits and other checks on 40 premises over five days.

The operation - Challenger - was originally launched to investigate the gangland feud that sparked Dale Cregan’s killing spree. Since last Monday there have been 78 arrests.

The operation targeted known criminals as well as gangs involved in illegal immigration, drugs and trafficking vulnerable people into the sex trade.

Car washes in Oldham, Salford and Wigan were visited during the week and several illegal workers discovered.