Op Venture officers seize thousands of pounds and potential firearm after spotting drug deal in Stockport
Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Operation Venture team arrested three men in Edgeley, Stockport, following a drug deal observation. The suspects, aged 29, 38, and 62, were found with suspected crack cocaine and heroin. A subsequent house search uncovered £3,000 in cash and a suspected converted air pistol. The team has made significant progress in reducing violent crime since its inception in December 2022, with 930 arrests and substantial seizures of weapons, drugs, and cash.
Undercover Officers Catch Drug Deal in Edgeley, Leading to Arrests and Weapon Seizure
Edgeley, Stockport - 24 March 2025: An undercover patrol by Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Venture unit led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of suspected Class A drugs and a handgun on Monday afternoon.
Officers, deployed to the area following intelligence linking it to knife-enabled robberies, witnessed a suspected drug transaction on Carlile Street shortly after 2 pm. They followed the vehicle to a dead-end road, where it was boxed in by additional patrols.
A 29-year-old front-seat passenger attempted to flee on foot but was caught nearby. He was found carrying a large quantity of what is believed to be crack cocaine and heroin. Two other occupants, aged 38 and 62, were also detained. All three were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and remain in custody.
Subsequent house searches uncovered around £3,000 in cash locked inside a cabinet at one address. Officers also recovered a suspected black handgun wrapped in a tablecloth; initial enquiries indicate it is an air weapon that may have been converted.
Inspector Jon Ezard of Operation Venture said:
“This demonstrates why we maintain a visible and covert presence in areas we know are linked to serious violence. The combination of plain-clothed and high-visibility patrols allows us to identify and target those committing crime.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1850 of 24/03/2025. Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Since its formation in December 2022, Operation Venture has made 930 arrests, removed 253 weapons from the streets, seized hundreds of vehicles and more than £250,000 in cash, and recovered drugs valued at over £100,000.
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