Police raid homes to smash drug supply lines
SEVEN suspects were arrested after dawn raids across three counties by police investigating a major drugs supply line.
At 6am, 11 premises were searched in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire.
The strikes were the culmination of months of covert investigations.
Operation Ceramic hopes to smash the supply of class A and B drugs by organised crime gangs across the North West and Midlands.
GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Unit were backed by officers from the force’s City of Manchester district, the National Crime Agency, Cheshire Constabulary, and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Six men, aged 28, 45, 53, 32, 31, and 35, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs.
Another man, aged 33, was held on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs.
All remained in custody for questioning.
Detective Inspector Phil Kennedy of GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group said: “We’ve had a fantastic result (yesterday) morning.
“These warrants have been executed following a meticulous investigation incorporating months of hard work by ourselves and our partner agencies to begin to break apart these organised crime groups that bring misery to our local communities.
“This investigation shows the dedication we have to crack down on drug related activity, and to anyone who is involved in this type of crime, we will catch up with you and you will be brought to justice.
“Drugs blight communities and we’re committed to ensuring those responsible for the movement of drugs are identified.
“Although we have made these arrests our investigation continues and I would encourage anyone who has information on the supply of drugs, or anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour in their communities to please get in touch with police.”
Anyone with information into the supply or distribution of drugs in Manchester can contact police on 101.
Alternatively details can be passed via the force’s LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.