Nine arrests made in Salford as part of major operation targeting drug importation

Nine people have been arrested following a series of coordinated warrants executed across Salford this morning (31 July), as part of a forcewide operation targeting the importation and distribution of cannabis into Greater Manchester.

The arrests are the result of months of planning and intelligence gathering, led by GMP’s Salford Challenger team and supported by other specialist units across the force.

The operation focused on disrupting an organised crime group (OCG) operating in the Irlam area, which is believed to be responsible for importing significant quantities of cannabis into the UK via ‘fast parcel’ services.

Fast parcels refer to packages sent into the UK from abroad. They typically contain illegal drugs or weapons and can travel through express delivery companies.

A total of ten warrants were executed, with nine individuals – men and women – taken into custody. The work follows an investigation into the gang’s local criminality, from importation, to organisation, and distribution of illicit goods.

The operation follows the seizure of over 185kg of cannabis intercepted at UK borders by GMP officers, with a further 27kg successfully delivered prior to interception.

Today’s warrants have uncovered £14,000 in cash, a cannabis farm, and a further 7kg of the class B drug among the addresses.

Among those arrested were six men aged between 35 – 59 years old, and three women aged between 34 – 38 years old.  All were arrested under suspicion of conspiracy to import and supply class B drugs.

Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan, who was the SIO on the operation, said: “Today’s warrants are the result of a complex and intelligence-led investigation involving 75 officers from across GMP, including our Salford Challenger team and specialist units. We are confident that this has significantly disrupted the operations of criminality in the area.

“Drugs like these wreak havoc on communities and individuals. The mental health impact, the added strain on the NHS, and the exploitation of vulnerable people are all consequences of the importation, supply, and use of drugs. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and the work that’s gone into this operation. We’re committed to stemming the flow of drugs in Greater Manchester, reducing harm, and bringing those responsible to justice.”

We continue to urge the public to share intelligence, which remains vital in disrupting criminal networks. We are also committed to safeguarding any vulnerable people who are victims of crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police directly, or Crimestoppers anonymously, via 0800 555 111.