Oldham: Group including teens arrested after drugs raid

On Wednesday (December 13), Greater Manchester Police launched a day of action to target drug-related activities across the region.

The team executed seven warrants across properties in Failsworth, Collyhurst and Harpurhey where £12,000 in cash, large amounts of Class A substances, including cocaine and heroin, and a significant quantity of cannabis were found.

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An imitation firearm was found in one of the houses (Image: GMP)

An unknown substance, believed to be a cutting agent for the Class A drugs, drug paraphernalia, a substantial number of mobile phones, of which three were confirmed to be drug line mobiles and an imitation firearm were also discovered and seized.

Of the nine arrested, there were three 16-year-old boys, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man.

The other four are made up of a 21-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man.

They were arrested on suspicion of several offences, including being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and abstracting electricity.

Drug paraphernalia and cannabis were uncovered in the raid (Image: GMP)

The group attended the station for questioning and remain in custody for further enquiries.

The operation involved 90 officers from GMP's Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) and various neighbourhood and county line teams, including North Manchester's challenger team, Neighbourhood, safeguarding and tasking teams, the neighbourhood crime team and the force’s county line team.

It was also fuelled by community intelligence and GMP's ongoing investigation into drugs and county lines operations.

Detective sergeant Jamie Heaton of GMP’s Challenger Team in North said: "Today's operation underscores GMP’s Challenger Team's dedication to protecting our communities from the impacts of drug-related activities and criminal behaviour.

The raid was carried out across Failsworth, Collyhust and Harpurhey (Image: GMP)

"By executing these warrants and making significant seizures across North Manchester, we disrupt the immediate operations of those involved, sending a clear message – GMP are determined in eliminating drugs from our communities and creating an overall safer environment for everyone.

"We would like to thank the local community for their consistent support, intelligence, and co-operation, which have all been crucial elements in making our neighbourhoods safer.

"Your information plays a vital role in swiftly apprehending suspects and seizing criminal property such as drugs and weapons from our communities.

"I also urge the public to keep sharing information about criminal activities or expressing their concerns.

"Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our investigations which is resultantly creating a safer, drug and weapon-free environment for Greater Manchester."

Detective constable Chris Anders from GMP’s Challenger Team in North Manchester added: "Today's execution of warrants marks a significant moment in our ongoing fight against the supply of controlled drugs in our community.

"Despite making considerable strides in disrupting these operations, rest assured, this isn't the end of our dedicated work.

"With the support of our community and collaborative efforts from across GMP and the local authority, we're committed to bringing offenders to justice, removing dangerous drugs and weapons from our streets for good.” 

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