Raids at dawn lead to arrests of suspected organised crime group in Wigan

The men, aged 23, 25, 26 and 32, were arrested at 6am on Thursday 9 March on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Officers from Wigan’s Challenger team supported by Tactical Aid Unit executed two warrants, one on Garvin Jones Grove in Bickershaw and one in Broomfield House in Standish.

They were detained and led away in handcuffs to be questioned in custody.

The activity – codenamed Operation Movan – comes following an investigation into the alleged large scale drugs supply operating in Wigan and across the North West.

During this morning’s activity police searched the properties and recovered approximately £4,000 in cash, cocaine, a machete, and an axe as well as three vehicles.

Detective Inspector Zoe Nightingale, from Wigan’s Challenger organised crime team, said: “The execution of warrants occurring this morning are the results of an operation into a criminal network suspected of supplying large quantities of crack cocaine and heroin, using intimidation and violence along the way.

“We believe they were operating under a county lines model using mobile phones to supply drugs to vulnerable addicts and in turn make a substantial profit.

“The threat and risk of harm to those involved in or associated with serious and organised crime is why we continue to be relentless in our pursuit of these criminal networks, to ultimately protect the community.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage the public to report what is occurring in their area knowing police will take action.”

If you have information relating to serious and organised crime please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call GMP via 101.