Nine arrested as GMP’s Challenger team strikes against drug operations in North Manchester

In a day of action on drug-related activities, Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Challenger Team in North Manchester executed a series of warrants at seven properties earlier today (Wednesday 13 December 2023).

This proactive operation involved in excess of 90 officers from GMP's Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), North Manchester's Challenger Team, Neighbourhood, safeguarding and tasking teams, the neighbourhood crime team and the force’s county line team.

The operation, also further fuelled by community intelligence and GMP's ongoing investigation into drugs and county lines operations, resulted in the successful arrests of nine individuals, one of whom voluntarily attended the station for questioning and remain in custody for further enquiries.

During the meticulously planned operation, the GMP's Challenger Team made substantial seizures during the warrants officers seized approximately £12,000 in cash, large amounts of Class A substances, including Cocaine and Heroin, a significant quantity of Cannabis (Class B Controlled drug), and a quantity of an unknown substance believed to be a cutting agent for Class A drugs.

Also seized during the warrants was an imitation firearm as well as drug paraphernalia, a substantial number of mobile phones of which three were confirmed drug line mobile phones.

Of the nine individuals arrested, there were three 16-year-old boys arrested as well as one 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man. A 21-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were also arrested as well as a 54-year-old man at the seven properties across Failsworth, Collyhurst and Harpurhey.

They were arrested for several offences including being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and abstracting electricity.

This decisive action aims not only to disrupt the immediate operations of those involved but also to send a clear message that GMP is committed to eradicating the scourge of drugs from our communities.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Heaton of GMP’s Challenger Team in North said: "Today's operation underscores GMP’s Challenger Team's dedication to protecting our communities from the impacts of drug-related activities and criminal behaviour. By executing these warrants and making significant seizures across North Manchester, we disrupt the immediate operations of those involved, sending a clear message – GMP are determined in eliminating drugs from our communities and creating an overall safer environment for everyone. We would like to thank the local community for their consistent support, intelligence, and co-operation, which have all been crucial elements in making our neighbourhoods safer. Your information plays a vital role in swiftly apprehending suspects and seizing criminal property such as drugs and weapons from our communities. I also urge the public to keep sharing information about criminal activities or expressing their concerns. Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our investigations which is resultantly creating a safer, drug and weapon-free environment for Greater Manchester."

Detective Constable Chris Anders from GMP’s Challenger Team in North Manchester added: "Today's execution of warrants marks a significant moment in our ongoing fight against the supply of controlled drugs in our community. Despite making considerable strides in disrupting these operations, rest assured, this isn't the end of our dedicated work. With the support of our community and collaborative efforts from across GMP and the local authority, we're committed to bringing offenders to justice, removing dangerous drugs and weapons from our streets for good.”

If you are concerned about criminal activity within your area, you can report this to us directly on 101 or by reporting information using our online report tool at www.gmp.police.uk.

In an emergency always call 999.

You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.