Drug dealer jailed after being shot by police during Whitefield arrest

Thursday, 27 August 2026 16:34

By David Murphy

A drug dealer who was shot in the arm by police as officers attempted to arrest him in Whitefield has been jailed for six years and 10 months.

Lewis Hanson was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today, Thursday 27 August, after admitting drug and firearms offences.

Hanson, 20, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, possession of a prohibited firearm, conspiracy to supply a firearm, possession of ammunition and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

Greater Manchester Police's Serious and Organised Crime Group had been monitoring Hanson's movements on Friday 22 May.

Police said he was seen driving a white Cupra Ateca around Radcliffe, Whitefield and Greenmount and repeatedly returning to an address in Chapelfield.

Officers also saw Hanson meeting a number of people in what police believed was activity consistent with suspected drug supply.

At around 3pm, officers attempted to stop the Cupra on Bury New Road in Whitefield.

GMP said Hanson attempted to evade arrest and an officer discharged a single shot, striking him in the arm.

He was detained and taken to hospital. Police said his injury was not life-threatening or life-changing.

Officers subsequently searched the address in Chapelfield and recovered a converted Retay Model 17 blank-firing pistol, which is prohibited under the Firearms Act.

Ammunition was found concealed in a black bin bag inside a bedroom wardrobe.

Police also seized Class A and B drugs, scales, vacuum-packed bags and empty snap bags.

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: “Hanson played a key role in the supply of illegal drugs throughout Bury and beyond, our investigation uncovered evidence of drug dealing and with the recovery of a prohibited firearm at an address linked to him.

“Ammunition and drug supply paraphernalia were also found, underlining the lengths he may have gone to, to protect his interests.

“The presence of a converted firearm in these circumstances is deeply concerning and demonstrates the dangerous environment often associated with organised criminal activity.

“Drug dealing and firearms have a devastating impact on our communities. They fuel exploitation, violence and fear, and we know that residents want this type of criminality removed from their area, and we are doing all we can to do exactly that.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in the supply of drugs, the possession of illegal firearms and organised criminality. We remain committed to protecting our communities, disrupting criminal networks and bringing offenders to justice.”