Buy Now, Pay Later – public warned of the risks of buying cannabis online

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched the ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ campaign in Salford, to tackle people purchasing cannabis online from abroad by raising awareness of the risks and consequences of this crime.

Alongside the Home Office, Border Force and Royal Mail, officers from GMP’s Challenger team - Greater Manchester’s partnership response to serious and organised crime - are tackling the importation of cannabis through the postal system. 

Cannabis ordered by post often comes from abroad. Purchasing cannabis from abroad is a serious importation offence. It carries a heavier punishment than possession and can easily be traced. Anyone who does so can face penalties – including a prison sentence – as well as serious consequences for their employment, international travel, social housing and education because of having a criminal record.

Salford – home to both domestic and international students, professionals, families and people from many different backgrounds – is the biggest source of cannabis supply and demand across Greater Manchester.

In the past 12 months, officers have seized more than 2,800 packets of cannabis en-route to Greater Manchester, weighing in at over 2,700 kilograms.

Recent law enforcement activity tackling fast parcels in Salford resulted in nine people being arrested. This was the result of months of planning and intelligence gathering, led by GMP’s Salford Challenger team, supported by other specialist units across the force. Nine arrests made in Salford as part of major operation targeting drug importation.  

In November, Matthew Johns from Salford, was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to being involved in the importation of cannabis and other drugs. Man jailed for eight years for his role in sending parcels containing drugs from America to Bury.

As well as being illegal, purchasing cannabis or other drugs via post could put buyers at financial risk and leave them vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, and exploitation by organised crime groups. Members of these groups will often approach people to receive their post containing drugs in exchange for money.

The Buy Now, Pay Later campaign makes it clear that not only is this activity a crime which may result in prosecution; it can also have a long-lasting impact on your DBS clearance, visas being revoked, travel bans, and loss of housing tenancy agreements. Before you order, ask yourself if it is worth the risk. 

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, head of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “More than 3,500 crimes were recorded for cannabis fast parcel importations to Greater Manchester over the last 12 months, and approximately 20 per cent of these were destined for Salford.

“People shouldn’t forget it is illegal to possess, supply and sell cannabis in the UK. It is also illegal to import it. When you bring drugs into the country from abroad, you’re committing an importation offence which is more serious and has greater consequences than a standard drug offence, such as possession.  “GMP’s Challenger team has a strong focus on organised crime groups who are bringing drugs into the country by the fast parcel system to supply and sell; often via members of the public who they recruit to participate in the sale of drugs.

“You may be asked to help accept, deliver or intercept parcels in return for cash or other payment. It may seem appealing to some and viewed as a low-risk way of making some extra money, but participating with others to import drugs is a criminal offence that not only comes with harsh penalties but can also have negative, life-long impact.

“Offenders often try to recruit students and other young or vulnerable people into committing crimes, but you should always say no and report directly to GMP or Crimestoppers.”

Kate Green, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Too often, people see buying cannabis online as harmless or low risk, when in reality it’s fuelling organised crime and can have serious, lasting consequences. The Buy Now, Pay Later campaign is exactly the kind of partnership-driven prevention work we set out in our Standing Together plan, raising awareness, protecting people from harm, and tackling illegal activity at its source.

"Through Programme Challenger, we’re working with police, local authorities and national partners to disrupt organised crime and stop those who exploit others for profit. By helping people understand the risks of buying cannabis online, not just criminal penalties, but the impact on jobs, education, housing and ability to travel, we can support safer choices and build stronger, more resilient communities across Greater Manchester.”

Despite Challenger’s focus on OCG activity, perpetrators who have had regular deliveries of cannabis to residential or business premises for personal use will be targeted and responded to proportionately. 

Members of the public are encouraged to share intelligence, which remains vital in disrupting criminal networks. GMP and partner agencies are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people who are victims of crime or at risk of committing offences. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police directly, on 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency. You can you also report anonymously to Crimestoppers, via 0800 555 111.