Seven people arrested during early morning warrants linked to county lines drug dealing

Officers in GMP’s Challenger South team, along with forcewide resources executed 12 warrants across Manchester, West Yorkshire and in Scotland in relation to an investigation into a conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

Seven people aged between 24 and 58 were arrested this morning on suspicion of conspiracy to supply the class B drug of cannabis. They are all suspected to be involved in a conspiracy to supply controlled drugs across county lines into Dumfries, Scotland.

The investigation has found that potentially up to 234kg of cannabis has been transported to Scotland and in exchange approximately £780,000 has been returned to the concerned parties in Manchester.

During the warrants, the team seized over 3 kilos of cannabis, phones, more than £3,000 in cash and paraphernalia. Warrants took place in Failsworth and Stockport.

Detective Inspector Lee Newburn, of GMP’s Challenger Division, said: “This morning we have conducted a dozen warrants across Greater Manchester and also in Scotland in relation to a large-scale drugs operation.

“This would appear to be a significant operation and the main parties appear well versed in police methods.

“We cannot secure results like this without the support of the local community, their support in reporting intelligence to us means we can play a part in making our neighbourhoods safer. I urge the public to keep sharing information about criminal activities or expressing their concerns through contacting us directly via live-chat, speaking to your local neighbourhood officer or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our investigations across Greater Manchester and could support us in safeguarding the most vulnerable in our communities."

If you have information relating to organised crime – no matter how small – please contact either Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call GMP on 101.