Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has recovered £350,000-worth of drugs in raids as part of a crackdown on organised crime groups.
The force has confirmed that during the early hours of yesterday morning, officers from GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group executed twelve warrants across Wigan, Bolton, and Bury as part of ‘Operation Byron’ – which is one several investigations into the large-scale sale and distribution of controlled drugs in Greater Manchester.
As a result of the raids, nine people were arrested by officers on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Eight men and one woman, all ranging in age from 19 to 51 years old, were arrested and GMP says they all remain in custody for questioning.
£350,000-worth of drugs were also recovered during the early-morning raids.
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“This was a fantastic result this morning with just over £350,000 worth of drugs seized as well as cash, mobile phones and drug paraphernalia from the properties we raided,” said Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, of GMPs Serious and Organised Crime Group.
£350,000-worth of drugs were recovered by police during early-morning raids / Credit: Greater Manchester Police
“Drugs feature across many different types of crime, from burglary and antisocial behaviour to criminal exploitation and modern day slavery, to name but a few [so] it’s a priority therefore for us to disrupt the drugs market through early intervention and diversion to stop this type of crime from ruining our communities.”
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Inspector Bryant also explained that the ongoing Operation Byron was set up in 2021 and has already seen the team undertake “hours of meticulous work” to pinpoint offenders and build up enough evidence to be able to execute warrants.
These warrants help to “bring criminals to justice”.
Greater Manchester Police is urging residents across the region to remain vigilant and asks that anyone who spot somethings or has information that might help take dealers off the streets to come forward by reporting it to 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can also give information via LiveChat on the GMP website here.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd June 2022 
