16 arrested in investigation into child drugs exploitation
SIXTEEN people have been arrested after a year-long investigation into the exploitation of children and adults by drugs barons in Rochdale.
Children in their mid teens are suspected of being used as drugs couriers.
Officers from Operation Gallant carried out dawn raids on Thursday across the town in a bid to dismantle drugs supply by organised crime gangs and stop exploitation.
They recovered three kilos of cannabis, £3,000 in cash, five gold bars, and five vehicles - including a £115,000 supercar.
Chief Supt Neil Evans, borough commander, said: “This is a significant juncture in an ongoing investigation.”
Amongst the vehicles seized was an Audi R8 4.2 litres Quattro and a highperformance Subaru Impreza WRX.
The investigation is being led by Rochdale’s Organised Crime Team, supported by the Sunrise Team and Programme Challenger, which is Greater Manchester’s partnership approach to tackling serious and organised crime and exploitation.
Fourteen men aged between 21 to 34 and one woman aged 29 were arrested on suspicion of offences against section 45 of the Serious Crime Act the offence of participating in activities of an organised crime group.
One man aged 35 was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.
They all remained in custody for questioning on Thursday.
Chief Superintendent Evans said: “[The] warrants are a result of hard work by police alongside our partner agencies, and is a great example of the work we are doing to protect vulnerable victims from exploitation and disrupt organised crime. We have acted swiftly to ensure that potential victims are supported and safeguarded.
“We will never tolerate drugs on our streets, and today we have successfully stopped a large amount of drugs destined for the streets of Rochdale.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8589 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
For more information on Programme Challenger visit: www.programme challenger.co.uk.