More than 250 officers carried out 22 early morning warrants across Greater Manchester on Wednesday 18 February 2026, arresting 23 people suspected of links to a family run organised crime group.
Around 258 officers from across Greater Manchester Police districts, specialist units and departments took part in the coordinated day of action led by the Serious Crime Division. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson joined officers during the operation.
A briefing took place at Clayton Brook complex at 5.30am before teams moved out to addresses across the region.
Twenty two warrants were executed. Seventeen men aged between 18 and 55 and six boys aged between 13 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, modern slavery offences and robbery.
Eleven arrests were made in the City of Manchester, four in Salford, two in Wigan, and one each in Rochdale, Bury and Bolton. Officers also made two arrests in Merseyside and one in south Wales with assistance from other forces.
Police said several weapons were seized including two imitation firearms, bladed articles and tasers. Officers also recovered cocaine and ketamine, around £3,000 in cash, eight Rolex watches, valuables worth more than £40,000 and a caravan believed to have been linked to the group’s activities.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, who leads GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Division, said, “Today’s operation has been a powerful example of our continued, determined effort to dismantle organised crime in our region.
“We now have 23 people in custody; all linked to a family-run organised crime group that have been causing widespread harm across our communities. Their criminal enterprise has been significantly disrupted and today marks a major step towards completely dismantling their operation.
“The exploitation of children and the supply of drugs will never be tolerated. The individuals we have arrested today we believe have brought significant harm, particularly to the City of Manchester and Salford.
“Our job isn't over, and while this operation has been six months in the planning, we will carry on with our relentless action for as long as is necessary, and until organised crime groups are dismantled.
“We still have persons of interest that we want to lock up, so let this be a message to you: we will come for you, and we will find you.”
All 23 suspects remain in police custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.
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