Teenager arrested and drugs seized after decisive action from GMP’s County Lines Team

Officers from GMP’s County Lines Team seized drugs and cash after early-morning warrants were carried out on two addresses in north Manchester this morning (23 June 2023).

An 18-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after the raids in Monsall as part of an ongoing County Lines drugs investigation and he remains in custody for questioning.

Supported by the Tactical Aid Unit, officers carried out the raids at around 5am acting on intelligence from the public.

Detective Sergeant Chris Woodburn, of GMP’s County Lines Team, said: “This latest action comes as part of Operation Flood that tackles County Lines drug operations that operate between Greater Manchester and neighbouring forces.

“Drugs are moved by dealers from one area to another as well as to other places across the country as part of a ‘county line’ operated by organised crime groups.

“Criminals exploit vulnerable people – often very young people - who may also be addicted to drugs, preying on those vulnerabilities for their own gain.

“Please be assured that we will act decisively where necessary and information from the public is vital to build up a full picture so we can take these lines apart.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drug dealing - or any other criminality - should always contact police. Information can be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

“If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

• County Lines is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries (although not exclusively), usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs. Find out more at the National Crime Agency website - County Lines - National Crime Agency