Six detained and half a kilo of class A drugs seized in crackdown on criminal exploitation in Stockport

Six suspects were taken to custody this morning after three warrants were executed as part of an investigation into child criminal exploitation in Stockport.

Officers uncovered around £25,000 in cash during the dawn raids, as well as recovering an estimated half kilo of suspected class A drugs - believed to be cocaine and heroin.

Addresses in the Lancashire Hill area were targeted by resources from Stockport's Challenger team and local neighbourhood officers, that saw five men and a women taken to custody.

The suspects - aged between 17 and 22 - are being questioned on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and money laundering by detectives tackling organised crime in the town.

The action is the latest stage of Operation Ibex; an investigation into drug distribution and the exploitation of vulnerable people and their homes - known as 'cuckooing'.

Since the investigation was launched in June 2021, several potential victims have been identified and safeguarded by police and partner agencies from Stockport Council.

The investigation was prompted by intelligence and local resident reports to the police and local housing officers, and we continue to appeal for anyone with concerns or information about suspicious activity in their area to contact police on 101.

Details can always be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.