Five arrested in major drugs operation

Five people were arrested following a series of drug raids carried out at multiple addresses in Oldham earlier this morning (Wed).

The major swoop was part of the wider Operation Vulcan work tackling drugs supply and criminality in the Derker area. 

Officers targeted four addresses across the town as part of a concentrated effort to disrupt those suspected of supplying dangerous and illicit products in the community. 

Three men – aged between 23 and 43, and two teenage boys aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and possession with intent to supply. 

The five remain in custody for questioning. 

Searches have taken place this morning, with various drug paraphernalia seized, including quantities of cannabis. 

Operation Vulcan has secured more than 200 arrests as part of its work tackling criminality in the Derker area, and seized more than £100,000 worth of drugs since its deployment began in March. 

The work will continue throughout December and into the New Year, with officers additionally supporting local Oldham teams as part of the Winter of Action crime blitz. 

This is seeing extra officers and patrols deployed across town centres and hotspot areas to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide high-visibility reassurance throughout the festive period. 

Detective Sergeant Pete Williams, from GMP’s Operation Vulcan, said: “This morning’s work was put in place to target those suspected of drugs supply within the community, and to disrupt those believed to be engaging in these illegal activities. 

“This morning’s arrests add to our tally of results from the Derker deployment this year, which is now in excess of two-hundred. You can be sure we will be adding more to that number as members of the public continue to supply us with intelligence and tip-offs. 

“If you have any issues with criminality in your area, please do get in touch with us, as we will be sure to assist wherever we can.”