Police say that today's raids on properties across Bolton are designed to send out a strong message that the trade in drugs will not be tolerated
Working with the specialist Challenger Team, the officers attended several addresses in Bolton at 5am and made four arrests this morning as part of Operation Peacemaker.
The operation is designed to ensure county drug lines are stopped and vulnerable people protected.
Officers say vulnerable adults may be forced to undertake work by people who pretend to be their friend and turn against them if they do not help their criminal activity.
In some cases, homes will be taken over and taken advantage of.
Detective Inspector Zoe MacDonald, from GMP’s County Lines Team, said: “Drugs and the people who supply them can cause an incredible amount of harm in our community.
“From addiction to the exploitation of the most vulnerable, illicit substances cause so many types of hurt and criminality across so many towns and cities.
“This morning’s work has targeted reports of county lines operating in Bolton, and the drug supply in the town and wider area.”
GMP assure the public they will not allow drug supply in the area and will work to stop people involved.
DI MacDonald said: “We have successfully hit several addresses across the district and shown criminals that we will never tolerate them.
“I want the people of Bolton to know that we are dedicated to protecting them and ensuring we keep criminals off the streets.
“From regular patrols to intelligence gathering to crucial work with partner agencies, we put considerable resources in to tackling the scourge of drug-related criminality on our streets.
“If you have any concerns about drug supply or county lines operating in your area or feel like you have witnessed something suspicious, please do get in touch with us.
“You can report information to the police on 101, via gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Bolton Council supported the police in their operation and highlighted how important it was.
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A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “County lines gangs exploit the most vulnerable in society and inflict considerable harm on the wider community.
“As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we have worked jointly with Greater Manchester Police to disrupt the activity of these gangs and hold those responsible to account.
“As a council, we will always be relentless in identifying anyone who exploits others and take decisive action to keep Bolton’s children and vulnerable adults safe.
“Our specially trained staff continue to work with the victims and to support all those affected.”
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