The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Police teams in Manchester drug offensive
Aberdeen police mounted a series of dawn raids 350 miles away in England, targeting a county-lines drug gang said to be flooding the northeast of Scotland with drugs.
Detectives have spent months investigating the organised crime group which, from its base in Greater Manchester, was suspected of being behind a heroin and cocaine-dealing operation in Aberdeen.
The Press and Journal’s Impact investigation team joined police as they launched Operation Decoder. In a series of co-ordinated dawn raids across the English city, police made three arrests.
After seizing Class A drugs and a five-figure sum of cash, detectives warned other county lines gangs: “You’re next”.
“Today’s operation sends out a clear message that north-east police officers will reach beyond geographical boundaries to pursue those who harm communities,” said Detective Inspector Martyn Thomson, of the North East Division’s CID.
He added: “It shows that if you deal drugs, we’ll come for you – wherever you are.”
Our journalists were given exclusive access to the raids, joining a 10-strong team of northeast officers who travelled from Aberdeen to Greater Manchester especially for Operation Decoder.
The drugs squad was joined by dozens of colleagues from Greater Manchester Police.
Teams of police headed out in convoy under the cover of darkness to four linked addresses across the city.
One team headed to flats on Alexandra Road in Moss Side, while another headed to an address on Oxford Road in Oldham. Another team drove to Border Mill Fold in Mossley, while a fourth headed for Ashworth Road in Rochdale.
At one of the addresses, The Press and Journal looked on as a tactical unit made up of 12 officers in riot gear descended on a home address and, at exactly 6am, smashed their way in using a battering ram.
It is understood scores of mobile phones were recovered from the four addresses that police believe were used to keep in contact with street dealers in Aberdeen.
The three suspects – who were arrested under Scottish law – are to be driven to Aberdeen.
They are expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in the coming days.
Det Insp Thomson said: “Significant quantities of Class A drugs and a five-figure sum of cash have been seized during this operation.
“I would like to thank the public of the north-east and Greater Manchester Police for their support.”
Anyone with concerns or information relating to the misuse of drugs is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.