Sixteen arrests in police raids to crush drug barons

SIXTEEN people have been arrested after a year-long investigation into the exploitation of children and adults by drugs barons.

Children in their mid-teens are suspected of being used as drugs couriers. Officers from Operation Gallant carried out dawn raids across Rochdale in a bid to dismantle a drugs supply to the town by organised crime gangs, and stop exploitation. They recovered three kilos of cannabis, £3,000 in cash, five gold bars, and five vehicles including a £115,000 supercar.

Chief Supt Neil Evans, borough commander, said: “This is a significant juncture in an ongoing investigation.”

Among the vehicles seized was an Audi R8 4.2 litre Quattro and a highperformance Subaru Impreza WRX.

The investigation is led by Rochdale’s Organised Crime Team, supported by the Sunrise Team and Programme Challenger which is Greater Manchester’s partnership approach to tackling serious and organised crime and exploitation.

Fourteen men aged 25, 26, 22, 22, 48, 25, 27, 20, 22, 21, 25, 21, 34, 29 and a woman aged 29 were arrested on suspicion of section 45 of the Serious Crime Act – the offence of participating in activities of an organised crime group. One man aged 35 was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. They all remained in custody for questioning.

Chief Supt Evans said: “We will never tolerate drugs on our streets, and today we have successfully stopped a large amount of drugs destined for the street of Rochdale.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 8589 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.