Man arrested after plain clothes operation targets drug dealing in Chorlton

Officers from GMP’s City of Manchester South Neighbourhood team made a significant arrest earlier today (Friday 19 June 2026) following a proactive operation targeting drug-related activity in Chorlton.

As part of Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, plain clothes officers were on patrol targeted known hotspot areas when they spotted a man on a sur-ron riding dangerously at speed.

The officers quickly detained him before identifying a machete concealed down his trouser leg. The weapon was safely recovered and a subsequent search revealed cash and a concealed package hidden in the suspect’s clothing. A further search conducted in a police vehicle uncovered 79 snap bags containing suspected Class A drugs.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.

This arrest forms part of ongoing work to tackle drug supply and serious violence within the community.

PC Billingham of GMP’s City of Manchester South Neighbourhood team said: As part of our commitment to neighbourhood policing, officers are out every single day with a mixture of plain clothes operations and high visibility policing.

“This week is Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action which is a way of reinforcing our no-tolerance stance on criminality which affects our communities.

“Officers acted quickly to remove a dangerous weapon and drugs from our streets. We remain committed to tackling drug dealing and the harm it causes in our communities.”