Seven arrested and jewellery and cash seized in dawn raids

Seven arrests have been made and two kilos of cocaine have already been seized as part of a crackdown on drug supply across the region and Cumbria and North Wales.

Detectives and officers from GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Group carried out seven warrants at addresses this morning (16 March 2022) in Rochdale, Cumbria and North Wales areas as part of a proactive investigation into the supply of class A drugs.

Two kilos of cocaine had already been recovered during the operation and today, high-value jewellery, a samurai sword and £2000 in cash were all seized by officers as the investigation continues.

Four men from Rochdale aged between 23 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. A 57-year-old man from Rochdale was also arrested on suspicion of being part of an organised crime group.

A 28-year-old man from Cumbria and a 39-year-old man from Rhyl were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark McDowall, from GMP's Rochdale district, said: "Today's action is a result from months of hard work by detectives who launched an proactive investigation as part of our continued crackdown on drug supply in the region which blights our local communities.

"Drugs on the streets can have a huge effect on communities and are often a catalyst for serious crime due to drug disputes and today's activity is another step forward in disrupting serious, organised crime.

"Our crackdown knows no borders and we are prepared to travel and arrest those believed to be involved in drug supply on our streets.

"As always, we would ask that anyone with information or anyone with concerns to contact us as we work to disrupt serious crime across the region. Intelligence from members of the public continuously helps us with our on-going investigations - no matter how small the information may seem.

"Anyone with information should report it online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."