County Lines team take out party drugs line

Our County Lines team descended on four properties across Manchester at 6am this morning (Wednesday 28 August 2024) as part of an ongoing proactive investigation into suspected drug dealing in Manchester City Centre.

A 37-year-old man, 33-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs, and remain in custody at this time.

We raided addresses on Hungerford Walk and Martlet Close in south Manchester, and two apartments in Circle Square, close to Oxford Road, locating and seizing a quantity of suspected cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy tablets; cash; and a mobile phone we believe is being used to control drug supply.

Suspected drugs seized from the property

Detective Sergeant Leanne Banks said, “Today’s arrests and seizures look to put another dent in organised criminality blighting our communities. We have now closed down what was known as the ‘Flex’ drugs line, supplying drugs to Manchester’s party scene.

“Our team are one of five dedicated county lines task forces in the country focussed on removing drug dealers from the streets, and working closely with partners to safeguard vulnerable children and adults our suspects exploit to do their dealings.

“Today’s warrants are just four of over 120 we’ve executed since our team were formed in 2022. We’ve charged and remanded over 240 drug dealers so far, resulting in over 700 years of custodial sentences, with many of those individuals still awaiting trial and sentencing.

“Importantly, our work has seen over 50 children and vulnerable adults safeguarded away from criminality and those looking to put them in harm’s way.

“We are unrelenting in our pursuit of organised criminals, and will continue to act swiftly on intelligence we receive and proactively pursue offenders.”