Suspected drug smugglers arrested in connection with international cannabis importation

A major Greater Manchester Police (GMP) operation targeting a suspected organised crime group that imported high strength cannabis into the UK has resulted in eight arrests.

In the early hours of the morning (Thursday 4 January 2024), GMP Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG) coordinated 16 simultaneous warrants across Manchester, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, and Lancashire, to target an organised crime group suspected to be facilitating the importation of cannabis from the United States of America.

So far, police and partners from Border Force have intercepted over 100 kilos of cannabis.

Today, eight individuals, aged between 18 - 52, have been arrested on suspicion of importation of cannabis. They remain in custody for questioning.

It’s believed that each of the individuals had various roles within the conspiracy, ranging from orchestrating the importation, to arranging payment for the shipments, to selling the drugs to criminals across the UK.

During a search of the properties, police also recovered £500k cash and a BMW M4.

Detective Inspector Claire Rawcliffe from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group said: “I’m grateful to Border Force and colleagues from our neighbouring forces for the support they have provided to our ongoing operation and investigation.

“So far, over £3 million of worth of cannabis has been seized, but we will continue to work with our partners to identify and prevent the new and innovative methods criminals take to smuggle illegal drugs into our country.”