Six men have been arrested after two viable firearms were seized during police raids in Manchester. The operation was part of a major investigation into an organised crime group supplying Class A drugs across the city.
Initial Raid in Whalley Range
The investigation began following an aggravated burglary at a property on Whalley Road, Whalley Range, on May 18. Neighbourhood officers recovered a 9mm semi-automatic firearm along with 12 rounds of ammunition. They also discovered Class A drugs including cocaine, crack cocaine, and MDMA valued at approximately £20,000, as well as drug paraphernalia.
City Centre Raid Leads to Arrests
Greater Manchester Police's Challenger teams in central and south Manchester took over the case. They identified three suspects linked to the organised crime group. On Monday, June 8, officers raided a property on Withy Grove in the city centre, where a second viable firearm was found.
Six men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were arrested on suspicion of firearms offences. Three of them were also arrested in connection with the May 18 burglary. All suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police Statement
Detective Paul Shacklady of GMP's City of Manchester South Challenger team said: 'We have six men in custody, and we have recovered a significant amount of drugs, and prevented two dangerous weapons from reaching our streets. As we progress with this investigation, we will continue to target those involved in serious and organised crime to keep our communities safe for all those who live and work across the whole of Greater Manchester.'
He added: 'We rely on information from the public and we take all information received seriously. If you are concerned about suspicious activity in your area, contact police on 101 or report it via the Live Chat function on our website at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
Firearms Statistics
GMP reports that 86 firearms were recovered across the region from April 2024 to April 2025, and a further 64 were seized in the following year. There were 16 firearms discharges in Greater Manchester from April 2025 to April 2026, which the force describes as a 'significant reduction'.
