Man arrested as part of illicit and counterfeit prescription medication crackdown

A man has been arrested as part of a crackdown into the supply and distribution of illicit and counterfeit prescription medication across the region.

Earlier this year in April, neighbourhood officers in Cheetham Hill carried out a raid at an address on Fulshaw Walk, Ardwick, where almost £40k in cash, suspected to be from the illegal supply of illicit prescription medication in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, was seized.

A number of lines of enquiry and a thorough investigation has been on-going since as part of Operation Cranium. Further searches have been continuously carried out at addresses across Cheetham Hill and an address in Fallowfield where approximately £8,500 worth of illicit Benzodiazepine drugs and class B drugs have been seized.

Earlier today, officers arrested a 25-year-old on suspicion of possession of class B drugs with intent to supply, obstructing police and money laundering. He remains in custody at this time.

Further searches carried out today have led to more illicit drugs being discovered and seized.

Inspector William Jennings-Wharton, of City of Manchester division, said: "Operation Cranium is an investigation alongside our partners following the rise in the use of illicit prescription medicines which can lead to fatal consequences.

"Our priority is tackling the supply and distribution of such drugs across the region and this arrest is a huge step in our aim to tackle the issue.

"Though some of the work under Operation Cranium and other drugs investigations can't always be seen - there is a lot going on behind the scenes. We will always listen to our communities' concerns and any information or issues that are fed to us can sometimes hugely assist our on-going investigations and today's arrest is an example of this.

"I would urge anyone concerned about drugs in their area to report it online at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."