Three arrests as cops tackle 'drug line exploiting young teenagers' in dawn raids
09.01.2024 - 17:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 'drug line' believed to be exploiting young teenagers in Greater Manchester has been targeted in a crackdown on modern slavery. Three arrests were made following a string of dawn raids in Wigan this morning (January 9).
The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into 'county lines' drug dealing, following tip-offs from members of the public. It led to a 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy all being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to sell the class B drug cannabis, and modern slavery.
Greater Manchester Police says it is believed the controllers of the drug line are using young teenagers to deal drugs for them. Officers conducted warrants on three properties in Aspull, Ince and Wigan.
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During the operation, the team seized mobile phones, debtors lists and cannabis. "We believe the adult members of the line have conspired with each other to distribute illegal drugs and are exploiting children and recruiting them into drug supply," said Detective Inspector Patrick Wood of GMP’s Wigan Challenger Team, which was part of the operation.
"Arresting these individuals allows us to protect and safeguard vulnerable children connected to the suspects and others within the community, resulting in further prevention of exploitation." GMP's Wigan Complex Safeguarding Team, Wigan Challenger team, local neighbourhood officers and Tactical Aid Unit all took part in this morning's operation.
Det Insp Wood says the raids were the 'culmination of a thorough investigation' dedicated to tackling child criminal exploitation. "Drugs supply has blighted members of this community for some time and results like today
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