Operation Vulcan make crucial arrests in fight to protect teenagers from exploitation in Piccadilly Gardens

In the early hours of the morning, officers from our specialist Operation Vulcan team executed five warrants at addresses across Manchester, in a bid to protect teenagers and vulnerable adults from criminal exploitation in Manchester.

In response to community concerns around an alleged organised crime group (OCG) operating in North Manchester and Piccadilly Gardens, we’ve arrested five men, aged between 18 - 23 on suspicion of modern-day slavery and drug offences. They remain in police custody for questioning.

An investigation was launched earlier this week into the group, who are believed to be using weapons and forcing teenagers to deal drugs for them. This morning we’ve taken swift action to arrest them, ensuring they cannot harm anyone else, and we’ve been working with our partners around the clock to ensure the vulnerable young people are safeguarded.

Detective Sergeant Pete Williams, from Operation Vulcan, said: “This morning we’ve executed a series of warrants targeting those who we suspect of preying on young people for their own financial gain.

“We’re acutely aware that criminal groups will seek to exploit young people to deal drugs and commit criminal activity on their behalf. People recruited by such groups might not see themselves as victims and might even be blinded by the offers of money and other incentives, but those higher up the chain are well and truly exploiting them to keep their own hands clean.

“By arresting these individuals, we’ve been able to safeguard and protect vulnerable teenagers connected to the suspects and others within the community. Where we identify any victim of child criminal exploitation (CCE), we can utilise our strong working relationships with partners to ensure we enact comprehensive safeguarding measures to support victims and remove them from the risks of this lifestyle.

“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 our 24/7 Live Chat function, 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."