Challenger officers make 54 arrests and seize £300k worth of drugs during County Lines Intensification Week
Greater Manchester Police's Programme Challenger teams conducted a week-long operation targeting county lines drug networks, resulting in 54 arrests, the seizure of £300,000 worth of drugs, and the closure of 22 drug lines. The operation also safeguarded 38 children and 25 vulnerable adults, while recovering weapons and cash. A notable arrest in Oldham involved a suspect supplying synthetic cannabinoids to schoolchildren via Telegram. The campaign also included educational outreach and collaboration with regional agencies to combat drug-related exploitation.
Greater Manchester Police dismantled 22 drug lines and seized more than £300,000 worth of narcotics during a week-long blitz against county lines operations that concluded Sunday, with 54 suspects arrested across 39 warrants.
The coordinated strike recovered crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and synthetic cannabinoids marketed as ‘THC liquids’ to schoolchildren, along with three firearms, 25 knives and £26,500 cash. Officers targeted organised crime groups using dedicated phone lines to move drugs into the city-region, a trafficking method that typically exploits vulnerable children and adults.
A Telegram channel supplying flavoured vape liquids laced with dangerous synthetic drugs to pupils in Oldham and nationwide was among the networks smashed. Mohammed Aftab, 19, of Hayfield Close, Moorside, was charged with supplying controlled drugs and remanded in custody after detectives traced the operation. A separate raid on 28 November netted £2,000 cash, a firearm, four machetes and 10 mobile phones believed to host at least four active drug lines.
While enforcement teams pursued dealers, safeguarding partners protected 38 children and 25 adults from exploitation, submitted seven modern-slavery referrals and visited 13 ‘cuckooed’ properties where criminals had taken over vulnerable residents’ homes. Educational sessions reached 60 teenagers through Stockport County’s programme as the North-West Regional Organised Crime Unit launched its ‘Eyes Open’ campaign warning communities about grooming tactics.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop said the results were “outstanding” and noted dealers are rapidly changing tactics to evade detection. Deputy Mayor Kate Green called county lines “an abhorrent form of grooming” and praised the unified response across police, councils and charities to disrupt supply chains and protect neighbourhoods.
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