Three arrested after police carry out drugs raids
CAR WASH AND SHOP AMONG PROPERTIES SWOOPED ON
THREE men have been arrested after a crackdown on suspected drugs gangs.
Police searched a number of properties across Tameside as part of ‘Operation Ferret.’
Officers raided a car wash and newsagent on Manchester Road in Denton, a shop on Bentinck Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, and two other addresses on Rowan Tree in Oldham and Peterborough Close in Denton on Wednesday.
The action involved officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Tameside council, Trading Standards and the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority.
A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs, and possession of cannabis.
A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. HMRC also seized a large amount of suspected illegal alcohol from both shops. Det Sgt Lisa Devitt said: “We are committed to systematically rooting out and dismantling groups that seek to profit from flooding our streets with drugs. “Drugs blight communities and ruin lives. We now have three people in custody as a result of the hard work of our dedicated officers, together with the support of our partner agencies. “I want to thank our local communities, as without them working with us and reporting these crimes, we couldn’t have carried out such an extensive operation. “These raids show how committed we are to eradicating drugs from our streets. However, I would continue to urge people to report any suspicious activity to police so that we can stop criminals benefitting from organised crime and drug supply. “Our message is simple: If you know about it – report it. “Drugs and the organised crime their supply is associated with have no place on the streets of Greater Manchester.” Anyone with information on drugs supply should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Det Sgt Lisa Devitt