Man arrested as police uncover knife sales operation in south Manchester

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 14:49

By David Murphy

A man has been arrested after a police operation uncovered a stash of weapons and drugs at a property in South Manchester.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s County Lines and Operation Venture teams conducted a pre-planned warrant on Mouldsworth Avenue, Withington, on Tuesday 29 April 2025, targeting the online sale of knives.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obtaining knives for sale and related drug offences. He remains in custody for questioning.

Inside the property, police seized a significant quantity of cannabis and other drugs, estimated to be worth more than £20,000, as well as several large knives, machetes, axes and extendable batons.

Operation Venture, GMP’s dedicated resource for tackling serious violence and knife crime, worked closely with the County Lines team to develop intelligence and conduct the raid.

Sergeant Mohammed Waqas from Operation Venture said: “This arrest and investigation is a significant step forward as we continue to tackle knife crime in different ways and understand emerging trends in how people obtain weapons online.

“Working alongside our specialist colleagues, we are hunting down those who unlawfully distribute these weapons. They must answer for their actions, which directly impact the safety of our communities.”

He added: “With tighter government regulations and stronger penalties coming into force regarding the sale of knives to underage people both in-person and online, we are determined to reduce the number of knives on Greater Manchester’s streets.”

Anyone who knows or suspects someone is carrying a knife is urged to report it to police via gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and young people aged 11–17 can use Fearless.org.