A string of dawn raids took place
Officers bashed down doors in a string of Irlam raids(Image: GMP)
Police have issued an update after nine people were arrested following a string of raids in Salford.
Officers smashed doors in across Irlam early on Thursday morning (July 31) as Greater Manchester Police targeted an alleged gang.
The force had received intelligence to suggest an organised crime group (OCG) in Irlam had been responsible for smuggling at least half-a-million pounds worth of cannabis into the UK through ‘fast parcels’.
Border Force had seized 185kg of cannabis on its way into the country while police learned that at least 27kg of the class B drug had been successfully delivered – all allegedly linked to the same gang.
Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here
Six men, aged from 35 to 59, and three women in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to import and supply class B drugs following Thursday’s dawn raids.
In an update issued today (Friday), GMP confirmed that all nine suspects had since been bailed, pending further enquiries.
A suspect is taken to a police custody van following a raid in Irlam(Image: GMP)
Officers had also seized £14,000 in cash, a cannabis farm and a further 7kg of the class B drug during the raids.
The operation focused on the use of ‘fast parcels’ to import drugs – high-speed deliveries which are made by ordinary companies, which would be familiar to anyone who has bought items online.
Salford is a known hotspot for this type of criminal activity compared to most other areas of Greater Manchester.
Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan said she was ‘confident’ the operation on Thursday had ‘significantly disrupted the operations of criminality’ in Irlam.
Police search a property for evidence(Image: GMP)
“Drugs like these wreak havoc on communities and individuals,” she added.
“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.”
Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE
Residents with concerns about criminal activity – including the illicit drug trade – in their community are encouraged to come forward and share any information they have.
Details can be passed on to GMP by calling 101, reporting it online, or by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.