Three arrested after car intercepted

GMP

Three people have been arrested after officers stopped a car and ran after the driver.

At about 10.45pm yesterday, (Wednesday 2 February 2011), an ANPR intercept team attempted to stop a VW Golf on Manchester Road.

Following a brief pursuit, the driver abandoned the car and ran off. The officer ran after him and saw the man rip open a bag and poured the powdery contents onto the road as he ran.

He was eventually detained and, after a violent struggle, arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Officers then went to a house on Nepal Road, Blackley, and carried out a search of the address during which they found a quantity of cannabis.

A 42-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

All remain in custody for questioning.

Sergeant John Brennan, of the ANPR interceptor unit, said: “Due to the quick thinking of our ANPR officer we have taken a quantity of drugs off the streets of Middleton.

“Our automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system is a really useful tool that can be used to detect offences ranging from no insurance to more serious criminal matters.

“In this case it was used as part of Operation Ulyssees, an ongoing initiative to target criminals, particularly burglars, on the Rochdale division.

“This incident shows that, even when people try to run from the law, we will catch up with them.

“If you have any concerns about drug dealing in your community then please don’t hesitate and get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing is asked to call Greater Manchester Police 0161 872 5050 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.