Police seize illegal substance and thousands in cash

Neighbourhood officers who raided a property in Oldham earlier this week secured four arrests and seized 25 litres of illicit liquid THC.

Police from the Chadderton & Werneth Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by officers from the Oldham Division Intelligence unit, swooped into a residential property on Elm Way, Werneth. 

The warrant was issued following community-led intelligence around the illegal production and supply of THC e-cigarettes and vapes across Greater Manchester.  

This includes vapes being supplied to underage children and reportedly becoming unwell from their effects. 

THC, a cannabis derivative, is a class B controlled drug which is illegal to produce, distribute, and possess. 

Following the raid, officers discovered a professional setup, with a large number of cigarettes and vapes which had been created for wholesale and bulk supply. 

Five containers making up 25 litres of what was suspected to be pure liquid THC, or spice, were seized, with an estimated street value of £2.5 million, along with approximately £150,000 in cash. 

Several other high value luxury items were also recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, including a Surron motorcycle. 

Three adults and one juvenile were arrested on suspicion of drug production and supply offences, and offences relating to the possession of criminal property.  

They have been bailed out of custody for further enquiries to be pursued. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Sergeant Tom Layton, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “This operation exemplifies our problem-solving approach to neighbourhood policing, which is one of GMP's top priorities.  

“By working closely with members of our communities, we're able to address the issues that matter most to them. 

“We have been able to react to information and intelligence submitted to achieve a fantastic result. 

"The success of this warrant demonstrates how effective collaboration between neighbourhood teams, schools, the courts and the general communities of Oldham can make a real difference to combating the possession and supply of drugs within Greater Manchester. 

"We're particularly pleased to have been able to seize such a high value of assets from the property but most importantly put a stop to the illegal sale and supply of illicit products which can cause harm in our communities.”