Drugs and weapons seized by police in morning raid

Three men have been arrested and drugs and weapons seized following a morning police raid on Freehold estate in Rochdale today (Friday 23 August). Officers executed two warrants and the men, aged 14 – 54, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Following a thorough search of the addresses, significant quantities of class A and B drugs were found, with an estimated street sale value of £51,000. We also seized several weapons, including two swords, and several items consistent with a significant drugs operation.

This is the latest activity which comes under the district’s Operation Affect, the force’s latest Clear, Hold, Build initiative.

Police are systematically dismantling and disrupting organised crime in the area, by pursuing gang members and criminals to clear the area, holding the location to prevent criminals exploiting the vacuum created by the original disruption, and working with partners and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) to build a prosperous and resilient community.

So far, the team have made 36 arrests, secured three full closure orders on nuisance properties linked to criminality, and seized large quantities of cash, drugs, and weapons.

Building on a successful community event held earlier this year, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) are working with local residents and partners to design out crime in Freehold and rebuild a stronger community.

The overall investment is anticipated to be around £5M and will keep residents safer and improve the overall look of the local area, including providing higher quality common areas and improving the condition of the buildings.

Inspector Meena Yasin, who is leading Operation Affect, said: “Since launching this operation we’ve seen a real concerted effort to disrupt illegal drug supply in the Freehold area of Rochdale. From speaking with residents, we know that drug dealing, and anti-social behaviour has been a particular area of concern for them.

“The seizures this morning means we have been able to take tens of thousands of pounds worth of illicit and harmful products off our streets and dismantle a significant drugs operation which has been blighting our residents.

“Our officers remain in the area to provide a visible reassurance for residents. If you have any concerns or want to share information about suspicious behaviour in the area, please speak to them, they are there to help you.

“You know your community best, and your intelligence often forms a large and crucial park of our criminal investigations, helping us to remove criminals from the streets.”

Hayley Stockham, RBH Director of Neighbourhoods, said: "We have zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in our neighbourhoods. We're very grateful to the local community for supporting our joint efforts to stamp out this behaviour.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners in the Police and at the Council, and we know that this is making a significant difference to the lives of local people. We encourage members of the community to continue to report crime and anti-social behaviour to RBH and to the Police.”

If you have any concerns about drugs in your area, let us know via our Live Chat function on our website, or by calling 101, so that we can take action. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can report it to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.