This morning (Tuesday 1 April) specialist officers from our organised crime team in Bury executed a warrant at an address on Hollins Road to target a man we believe to be involved in a largescale drugs conspiracy, responsible for facilitating the sale of class A and B drugs.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs. He is in police custody awaiting interview, and officers are searching his address.
This job stems from 2020, when a nationwide crackdown led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) into the communications platform EncroChat was launched. It was one of the UK's biggest ever law enforcement operations, and in Greater Manchester alone, it's seen dozens of detectives lead numerous investigations into hundreds of high-level suspects.
So far, we have had tremendous success in infiltrating organised criminal networks, seizing huge amounts of criminal cash, stopping firearms and drugs reaching our streets, and protecting the people of Greater Manchester.
Detective Constable Prince from our Bury Challenger Team said: “The activity this morning is a stark warning to criminals who feel they’ve been able to operate under the radar over the last few years. Our investigations into suspected criminals who were hiding behind their encrypted mobile phones are very much ongoing, and we continue to make arrests and seize illicit assets people have accrued as a result of their criminal dealings.
“With a man in custody, we will continue to unpick this conspiracy, and pursue those affiliated with him, ensuring we can prevent any further drugs or weapons can make their way onto the streets of Greater Manchester.
“Today shows our continued commitment to tackling organised crime and working with law enforcement agencies across the country to ensure we are able to take the action we need to in order to progress our wide-ranging and complex enquiries into investigations like this.”
We cannot secure results like this without the support of the local community, their support in reporting intelligence to us means we can play a part in making our neighbourhoods safer. If you have any information about criminal activity in your area, please report it to us so we can act. Information can be shared via our online 24/7 Live Chat function, by speaking to your local neighbourhood officer or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our investigations across Greater Manchester and could support us in safeguarding the most vulnerable in our communities.
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