At 6am this morning (21 October), 11 warrants in total were carried out across Greater Manchester at addresses in Failsworth, Harpurhey and Manchester city centre, as well as in Cheshire and Stafford as part of ‘Operation Ceramic’, a large-scale investigation into the supply of Class A drugs by organised crime groups across the North West and Midlands.
GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit were supported by officers from GMPs City of Manchester district, the National Crime Agency, Cheshire Constabulary and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Following the dawn raids, the following suspects were arrested:
- A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs
- A 45-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs
- A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs
- A 53-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs
- A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs
- A 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs
- A 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs
All have been taken to custody for questioning.
Detective Inspector Phil Kennedy, of GMPs Serious and Organised Crime Group said: “We’ve had a fantastic result this morning. These warrants have been executed following a meticulous investigation incorporating months of hard work by ourselves and our partner agencies to begin to break apart these organised crime groups that bring misery to our local communities.
“This investigation shows the dedication we have to cracking down on drug related activity and to anyone who is involved in this type of crime, we will catch up with you and you will be brought to justice.
“Drugs blight communities and we’re committed to ensuring those responsible for the movement of drugs are identified.
“Although we have made these arrests our investigation continues and I would encourage anyone who has information on the supply of drugs, or anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour in their communities to please get in touch with police.”
Anyone with information into the supply or distribution of drugs in Manchester can contact police on 101.
Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
