Eight “suspected drug smugglers” have been arrested after a series of targeted police raids took place across the North West yesterday.
The arrests were part of what was a major Greater Manchester Police (GMP) operation targeting a suspected organised crime group that imported high-strength cannabis into the UK.
After GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG) coordinated 16 simultaneous warrants across Manchester, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, and Lancashire in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday 4 January), an organised crime group that was suspected to be facilitating the importation of cannabis from the US was targeted.
Police and partners from the Border Force intercepted over 100 kilos of cannabis during the raids, GMP confirmed.
During a search of the properties, police also recovered £500k cash, and a BMW M4.
ADVERTISEMENT
Following the series of targeted raids, a total of eight people – who are all between the ages of 18 and 52 – have been arrested on suspicion of importation of cannabis.
They currently remain in police custody for questioning.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to GMP, it’s believed that each of the now-arrested individuals had various roles within the conspiracy, and these roles ranged from orchestrating the importation, to arranging payment for the shipments, and selling the drugs to criminals across the UK.
A group of ‘suspected drug smugglers’ have been arrested after targeted raids across North West / Credit: GMP
GMP believes the total value of the cannabis seized so far to exceed the £3 million mark.
Speaking following the successful raids this week, Detective Inspector Claire Rawcliffe, who is from GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group, commented: “I’m grateful to Border Force and colleagues from our neighbouring forces for the support they have provided to our ongoing operation and investigation.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings
Daisy Jackson
The hunt is on to find a National Lottery player in Tameside who’s won £1m – and not claimed it.
The missing millionaire won the huge prize on a Lotto ticket bought on Wednesday 1 July, somewhere in the Borough of Tameside.
But with just two months to go until the prize expires, the player has still not come forward to claim their winnings.
The winning numbers in were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39, 42 and the Bonus Ball was 54.
Now, the National Lottery is renewing its search for the millionaire, calling for the mystery winner to cash in their prize before it expires at midnight on 28 December.
National Lottery Senior Winners’ Advisor Andy Carter has been out in Tameside ‘hunting’ for the missing millionaire, visiting everywhere from Portland Basin to Hartshead Pike.
Andy said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck.
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings. Credit: Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
“With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the 1 July draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email [email protected].
Featured image: Supplied – Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Emily Sergeant -
5th January 2024 
