Suspected international drug smugglers have been arrested in by Greater Manchester Police.

Eight arrests have been made following a GMP operation which targeted a suspected organised crime group that allegedly imported high-strength cannabis into the UK.

In the early hours of this morning (January 4), GMP Serious Organised Crime Group carried out 16 simultaneous warrants across Manchester, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, and Lancashire, to target an organised crime group suspected to be facilitating the importation of cannabis from the US.

Detective Inspector Claire Rawcliffe from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group said: “I’m grateful to Border Force and colleagues from our neighbouring forces for the support they have provided to our ongoing operation and investigation.

“So far, over £3 million of worth of cannabis has been seized, but we will continue to work with our partners to identify and prevent the new and innovative methods criminals take to smuggle illegal drugs into our country.”

The eight suspected criminals, aged between 18 and 52, remain in custody having been arrested on suspicion of importation of cannabis.

It is believed that each of them had various roles within the conspiracy, ranging from orchestrating the importation, to arranging payment for the shipments, and selling the drugs to criminals across the UK.

During a search of the properties, police also recovered £500,00 cash and a BMW M4. 

So far, police and partners from Border Force have intercepted over 100 kilos of cannabis.