Early morning raids across Oldham, Tameside, and Rochdale have led to the arrest of 11 people and the seizure of drugs, cash, and weapons in a significant operation against organised crime in the region.

The operation, carried out yesterday morning, saw eight warrants executed simultaneously by officers from the Tameside Programme Challenger team, the District Intelligence Unit, and Greater Manchester Police's Tactical Aid Unit. The arrests follow weeks of intelligence gathering aimed at disrupting a suspected criminal network involved in the distribution of class A drugs and firearms.

Eight men and three women, aged between 24 and 77, were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, being part of an organised crime group, possession with intent to supply, money laundering, and possession of an offensive weapon. A firearms strike was also carried out at one of the addresses.

During searches of the properties, officers recovered class A, B, and C drugs, including crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and nitrous oxide. Additionally, £70,000 in cash, a zombie knife, a BB gun, and four vehicles were seized. The haul represents a major disruption to criminal activity that has been affecting communities across Oldham and beyond.

Chief Superintendent Shan Nasim, District Commander for Tameside, said: "The operation has been a powerful example of our continued, determined effort to dismantle organised crime in our district and Greater Manchester. We have 11 people in custody being questioned by our investigation teams in relation to an organised crime group that have been causing widespread harm across our communities." He added, "Today's action caused significant disruption of an organised crime group and has prevented drugs and weapons from reaching the streets, as well as the associated harms that come hand in hand with organised crime."

Programme Challenger brings agencies across Greater Manchester together to protect vulnerable people, dismantle criminal networks, and prevent exploitation in all its forms. The police stress that intelligence from the public remains vital in keeping neighbourhoods safe and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

Members of the public are encouraged to share any concerns about criminal activity in their area. Information can be reported to police on 101, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.