Latest raid by Operation Vulcan busts 'drug den' in Cheetham Hill

Yesterday (Thursday 20 April 2023), officers from Operation Vulcan hit a property on Bury New Road that was suspected of being used as a base by criminals to supply Class A, B and C drugs - including illicit prescription medication.

During the raid yesterday two men aged 52 and 33 were arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and C drugs. A further three men - aged 43, 25 and 21 - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A, B and C drugs. And a 17-year-old male was arrested also on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A, B and C drugs.

Today (21 April 2023) a 45-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the raid on Bury New Road yesterday (20 April 2023). He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A, B and C drugs. 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have since attended the building on Bury New Road and following a close inspection they deemed it unsafe and issued a full closure order.

Officers on the look-out for further criminality in the surrounding area yesterday (21 April 2023) also spotted some suspicious activity nearby. A large Range Rover was found unlocked in a car park and a quick vehicle check revealed both the car and the registration plate had been stolen. Whilst the vehicle was being recovered a large bag of suspected cannabis fell from under the car and was seized.

Operation Vulcan is tackling organised crime in the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways area and key to this is tackling supply of drugs - including the misuse of prescription and counterfeit medication which is a widespread problem in the area.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Donnelly of Operation Vulcan said: "We all know the devastation that illegal drugs can bring to communities and Operation Vulcan is working hard to disrupt and dismantle the supply chains operating out of the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways area.

"The illegal supply of illicit prescription medication is also a key problem in the area and we are intent on tackling it. Misuse of prescription drugs can lead to fatal consequences and there have already been several cases where people have become seriously ill as a result of acquiring them illegally.

“People’s lives are being destroyed by the misuse of prescription drugs, and I can’t emphasise enough the dangers of taking these drugs without a relevant prescription and dosage guidance from a healthcare professional.

"We are routinely working with partners to monitor the drugs that officers are finding in communities.

"As part of our operation, we are actively seizing and testing drugs, including those which have involved the hospitalisation of users.  A number of pills we are testing do not contain the stated active ingredient. This means that sometimes the dosages can be lower or higher than expected; or contain a completely different drug altogether and this is presenting a high risk of dependency and can increase the risk of overdose.

"Though some of the work under Operation Vulcan 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.

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