Police uncovered £50,000 worth of drugs stashed inside a washing machine during early morning raids across Greater Manchester. Officers stormed six properties on Monday, July 13, as part of an investigation into drug dealing in the area.
Raids across Manchester and Stockport
Specialist Tactical Aid Unit teams, along with county lines and neighbourhood policing officers, executed warrants at addresses in Ancoats, Gorton and Stockport just before 6am. They seized a large quantity of class A and B drugs, as well as cash and several e-bikes believed to be used in drug dealing.
At a property in Gorton, officers found a huge amount of cannabis with a street value of £50,000 hidden inside a washing machine. Pictures show the drugs packed in black bin bags.
Arrests made
A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs of class A, B and C. He remains in custody. A woman, also in her 30s, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs. She has been released on police bail.
Operation began in April
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the operation started in April, with three months of evidence and intelligence gathering leading to the strike day. Inspector Zac Campbell, from GMP's Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Gorton and Levenshulme, said: "This morning’s warrants are as a result of months of dedicated work by officers who have been gathering intelligence and evidence about suspected drug dealing in the community.
"Drug dealing brings exploitation, violence and anti-social behaviour into our neighbourhoods, and we know the significant impact it can have on residents. We are committed to pursuing those involved and bringing them to justice. This operation demonstrates the value of partnership working across GMP, with officers from a number of specialist teams coming together to target those suspected of profiting from the sale and distribution of drugs."
Appeal for information
Inspector Campbell added: "We are committed to acting on information and intelligence provided by the public. We encourage anyone with knowledge of criminal activity in their area to come forward." Anyone with information can call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
