A man was arrested in Rochdale as part of a coordinated operation which saw 23 people detained during early morning warrants across Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that one of the 23 suspects was arrested in Rochdale on Wednesday 18 February 2026 as officers targeted a family run organised crime group believed to be operating across the region.
In total, 22 warrants were executed by around 258 officers drawn from multiple districts and specialist units. The operation was led by the force’s Serious Crime Division, with Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson present during the day of action.
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.
While most arrests were made in the City of Manchester and Salford, police confirmed one suspect was detained in Rochdale. Additional arrests took place in Wigan, Bury and Bolton, as well as in Merseyside and south Wales with support from other forces.
Officers seized two imitation firearms, bladed articles and tasers during the warrants. Cocaine and ketamine were also recovered along with 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 custody for questioning. No charges have been announced at this stage.
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