Tameside Challenger Team charge two men and seize £22,000 worth of Class A Drugs as part of County Lines Operation

On Monday 15 January 2024, officers from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Tameside Challenger Team successfully conducted a targeted traffic stop with plain-clothed officers in Derbyshire.

The operation aimed to intercept a motor vehicle suspected of transporting Class A drugs between GMP and Derbyshire for onward distribution.

In collaboration with Derbyshire Constabulary, GMP searched the vehicle and discovered Class A substances, including Crack Cocaine and Heroin.

A subsequent warrant executed at a property in the Audenshaw led to the discovery of a safe containing additional drugs. The total street value of the seized drugs was estimated to be around £22,000.

Two men, aged 26 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of Possession with intent to Supply Class A Crack Cocaine and Possession with intent to Supply Class A Heroin.

Today (Tuesday 16 January 2024), two men were charged for numerous drug offences:

- Bailey Turner (12/07/1997) of Ashton New Road was charged with four counts of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin (Class A).

- Shaun Mitchell (15/02/1983) Denton Court was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin (Class A).

The two men are due to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 20 February 2024.

Detective Constable Jake Orr of GMP’s Tameside’s Challenger team said: “These arrests and charges are part of the ongoing proactive work we do across Tameside working with our neighbouring forces to ensure we tackle drug dealing in our communities and across the country. The removal of this substantial quantity of drugs from the supply chain is a positive stride in our efforts to disrupt the activities of organised criminals profiting from drug sales.We rely on information provided by the public, and I encourage anyone with concerns or information about drug-related activities in their area to come forward and speak with the police directly or contact Crimestoppers anonymously. You can report information by calling 101, reporting online at www.gmp.police.uk or contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."