GMP officers execute 22 warrants and arrest 23 suspects in day of action tackling serious and organised crime across Greater Manchester

In the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 18 February 2026), our Serious Crime Division led the arrests of 23 men linked to an Organised Crime Group in Greater Manchester. 

Two hundred fifty-eight officers from across multiple districts, units, and departments combined for this crime-smashing day alongside Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson. 

A briefing was held at Clayton Brook complex at 5.30am where officers were given the up-to-date picture of the nominals they were about to arrest and why they were being arrested. 

RECAP: Serious and Organised Crime officers carry out warrants across the region

Twenty-two warrants were executed where a total of 23 suspects were arrested. 17 men, aged between 18 - 55, and six boys aged between 13 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, modern day slavery offences and robbery. 

Eleven of these arrests have been made across the City of Manchester, four in Salford, two in Wigan, one in Rochdale, one in Bury and one in Bolton. Two arrests were also made in Merseyside and one arrest in south Wales. 

Today’s arrests would not have been possible without the assistance of partners and in conjunction with our colleagues from other forces across the country. 

Several weapons have been seized including two imitation firearms, bladed articles and tasers, along with class A and class B drugs (namely cocaine and ketamine), £3,000 of cash, eight Rolex watches, valuables in excess of £40,000, and a caravan, all believed to be related to the group’s criminal activity. 

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, who leads our Serious Organised Crime Division, said: “Today’s operation has been a powerful example of our continued, determined effort to dismantle organised crime in our region. 

“We now have 23 people in custody; all linked to a family-run organised crime group that have been causing widespread harm across our communities. Their criminal enterprise has been significantly disrupted and today marks a major step towards completely dismantling their operation. 

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson at a warrant in Cheetham Hill

“During the execution of 22 warrants across Greater Manchester and Liverpool this morning, officers weapons, drugs, suspected criminally gained cash, and even a caravan believed to have been used as the headquarters of their operation. 

“The exploitation of children and the supply of drugs will never be tolerated. The individuals we have arrested today we believe have brought significant harm, particularly to the City of Manchester and Salford. 

"Our job isn't over, and while this operation has been six months in the planning, we will carry on with our relentless action for as long as is necessary, and until organised crime groups are dismantled. 

"We still have persons of interest that we want to lock up, so let this be a message to you: we will come for you, and we will find you."

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop at a warrant in Cheetham Hill