Overview
- Greater Manchester Police executed 22 warrants with 258 officers on February 18, arresting 23 suspects across Manchester, Salford, Wigan, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Merseyside and South Wales.
- Thirteen people have been charged with offences including conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, human trafficking, burglary, theft and cannabis supply, and are due at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 20.
- Ten others aged 13 to 21 have been released on bail after arrests that included six boys aged 13 to 17, with police highlighting evidence of routine exploitation of children in county lines activity.
- Seizures included cocaine and ketamine, imitation firearms, tasers and blades, about £3,000 in cash, eight Rolex watches, valuables exceeding £40,000 and a caravan believed to have served as an operational base.
- Detectives said the day of action, planned over six months under Programme Challenger, has significantly disrupted the group, with further enquiries, safeguarding and potential arrests continuing.