Ten arrested in police drug raids

Police break down door on drugs raid

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Ten people have been arrested during the second day of a large operation to target class A drug dealers in Heywood.

The raids are the result of an intelligence-led operation codenamed Operation Bluebeard.

For several months officers have been collating information on people who distribute class A drugs in the Heywood area.

Today, Wednesday 21 November 2007, warrants were executed at 11 addresses in the area.

Operation Bluebeard began yesterday, Tuesday 20 November 2007, when 11 more people were arrested, bringing the total of arrests to 21.

For two days running, officers executed the warrants just after 7.00am at the various addresses.

All the suspects were arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act for offences relating to the possession and supply of Class A drugs.

During the raids, 100 mobile phones were seized, along with two cars and a quantity of drugs.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Jeff McMahon said: "I am really pleased with today's result, and I hope that it sends a clear message to those intent on plaguing their communities with drug abuse and criminal behaviour that we will not tolerate this.

"We intend to continue our efforts to target those who deal drugs and bring misery to their neighbours. We would urge anyone who has any information or suspicions about people dealing drugs in their area to get in touch with us. Today's action shows that we treat this activity very seriously, and will act on any intelligence we have to rid our communities of this kind of crime."

Following yesterday's arrests the following nine people have been charged:

• Rashid Hussain (born 23/06/87) of Trafalgar St, Rochdale - charged with supplying class a drugs and possession with intent to supply.
• Imad Ulhaque (born 25/04/89) of Yarwell (name of flats) in Rochdale - charged with supplying class A drugs.
• Amir Javid (born 20/03/89) of Good Shepherd Close, Rochdale - charged with possession with intent to supply.
• Mustapha Khan (born 11/08/79) of Whitely Road, Rochdale - charged with possession with intent to supply.
• Mohammed Aleem (born 21/08/82) of Durham Street, Rochdale - charged with supplying drugs.
• Kamram Zafar (born 08/02/87) of High Barn Close, Rochdale - charged with supplying drugs.
• Javed Aslam (born 22/12/88) of Copthorne Crescent, Lonsight - charged with supplying drugs and possession with intent to supply.
• Lisa Iles (born 17/03/87) of Carlton Flats, Heywood - charged with supplying drugs.
• Rachel Wakes (born 07/04/71) of Carlton Flats, Heywood - charged with supplying drugs.

They were due before magistrates in Rochdale this morning, Wednesday 21 November 2007.

• View video footage: Operation_Bluebeard_Nov_07.wmv