Arrests and cash seized in drug bust
POLICE discovered ha l f - a - m i l l i o n pounds in cash in dawn raids cracking down on a multi-million pound cannabis enterprise.
Officers arrested a man and seized the huge box of bank notes as they executed a series of warrants at addresses in Rochdale and a property in the Holywell area of Wales.
The warrants come as part of an investigation into the ‘illicit enterprise’, says Greater Manchester Police.
A 46-year-old man from Rochdale was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.
Around £500,000 was seized in total.
The operation comes after the execution of drug warrants in May at another two properties in
Rochdale, where cannabis and more than £80,000 in cash was found.
Subsequent enquiries have suggested the sites are linked to an illicit enterprise worth an estimated £6 million-a-year, according to the force.
An investigation was launched by GMP Rochdale’s Complex Safeguarding team, with the aim being to target and arrest offenders.
Officers from GMP Rochdale’s Challenger team, alongside support from the Tactical Aid Unit and North Wales Police, carried out this morning’s raids.
Detective Inspector Sam Taylor, of GMP Rochdale’s CID, said: “Since May’s raids, where we recovered a significant amount of cash and drugs, we have worked fiercely to find those involved in this illicit enterprise and take them into custody.
“These drugs cause psychological and physical harm as well as societal damage, and we are intent on catching those we suspect of being offenders.
“We are really keen to ensure that anyone with suspicions or concerns about the supply of drugs in their area, comes forward to police and tells us in confidence so we can continue to take this kind of action.”
Anyone with information or concerns can contact police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk or call 101.
Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.