Bolton properties raided as part of Operation Vulcan

Police raided ten spots in the early hours of today and arrested eleven suspected members of a Cheetham Hill based gang.

It is believed the operation led to one of the biggest ever recoveries of prescription medications within the UK.

Properties in Bolton, Cheetham Hill, Cheshire and Slough, Berkshire were raided.

Following this six men and five men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs and also of money laundering.

After searches of the properties thousands of pounds in cash were seized and large quantities of drugs including illicit prescription medication were recovered.

The raids came as part of Operation Vulcan which tackles organised crime in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.

Detective Inspector Chris Julien, one of its specialist officers welcomed the result.

He said “We’re acutely aware of the significant impact the supply of drugs is having on our communities, and the gang violence and exploitation that comes hand in hand with it, which is particularly prevalent in Cheetham Hill.

“We suspect that the individuals arrested today have links to a major drugs operation in Cheetham Hill. The quantities of drugs we are talking about are beyond substantial and the removal will see a discernible difference on the streets of Greater Manchester.

“We will not hesitate in taking action on those involved and today is a strong example of this whereby we’ve wiped out a clearly sophisticated set up and hopefully saved lives as a result. Today’s warrants are another huge step in Operation Vulcan’s crackdown, and it doesn’t stop here.

“Nobody knows their local communities better than the people who live here. If you suspect someone is illegally supplying prescription or counterfeit prescription drugs or illicit substances, please report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.”