Police Arrest 37-Year-Old in Bury Drug Conspiracy Raid Linked to EncroChat Investigation

A 37-year-old man was arrested Tuesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs after specialist officers executed a warrant at an address on Hollins Road in Bury.

The arrest stems from a nationwide crackdown that began in 2020 when the National Crime Agency launched an investigation into the encrypted communications platform EncroChat, marking one of the UK’s largest law enforcement operations. In Greater Manchester alone, the operation has led to numerous investigations targeting hundreds of high-level suspects.

The suspect remains in police custody awaiting interview while officers continue searching his property. The investigation is part of ongoing efforts that have seen significant success in disrupting organized criminal networks, seizing criminal assets, and preventing drugs and firearms from reaching the streets.

Detective Constable Prince from the Bury Challenger Team stated: “The activity this morning is a stark warning to criminals who feel they’ve been able to operate under the radar over the last few years. Our investigations into suspected criminals who were hiding behind their encrypted mobile phones are very much ongoing, and we continue to make arrests and seize illicit assets people have accrued as a result of their criminal dealings.”

“With a man in custody, we will continue to unpick this conspiracy, and pursue those affiliated with him, ensuring we can prevent any further drugs or weapons can make their way onto the streets of Greater Manchester,” Prince added.

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