Police storm house in drugs crackdown

Photo: Ask Bury

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Police stormed a Middleton house this morning as part of a series of dawn drug raids.

A 27-year-old man was marched out in handcuffs under suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Officers executed a warrant at the address near the centre of Middleton and the man has been remanded in custody.

Greater Manchester Police told Rochdale Online the raids are part of Operation Plainview, which aims to target people who distribute dangerous drugs.

Superintendent Mark Roberts said: "Today's action follows complaints about drug dealing from members of the local community. We will always act on any credible information that assists us in ridding our communities of this kind of criminal behaviour.

"As with this case, we will thoroughly investigate such reports, gather evidence and take positive action and I hope that this will encourage people to contact us with information either directly or via Crimestoppers.

"This operation has been ongoing for several months, gathering intelligence and evidence. It is important that when people report suspicions to us, they know, if they don't see police acting immediately that it is because we are working to develop as strong a case as possible.

"This is an ongoing operation and we intend to continue our efforts to target those who deal drugs and bring misery to their neighbours.

"We will always seek to tackle drug dealers as they cause misery on a number of levels - to those who use drugs, to members of the community who have to put up with this anti-social behaviour and the intimidation that goes with it and those who suffer the burglaries and robberies that fund people's addictions."

Anyone who is concerned about drug dealing in their area should ring Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police officers and PCSOs will be in the local area throughout the course of the day distributing leaflets and offering reassurance to residents and businesses.