Drugs raids at dawn

10:00am Thursday 22nd May 2008

THIRTEEN suspected drug dens were targeted when police swooped in a series of raids across Bolton.

Ten people have been arrested and were being questioned by police last night.

Police executed warrants across the whole of Bolton, including parts of Halliwell, Deane, Breightmet, Farnworth and Tonge Moor, with more expected to be carried out today and tomorrow.

Illegal drugs were found in seven of the 13 homes raided.

Two of the homes were found to contain small cannabis manufacturing outfits, while a range of class A and class B drugs were seized from the other addresses.

The seven men and three women arrested so far, are being questioned on suspicion of possessing and being concerned in the supply of illegal drugs.

The crackdown, which began on Monday, is part of National Tackling Drugs Week.

More than 100 drug dealers across Greater Manchester are being targeted in the operation, which is being co-ordinated by Bolton's Detective Chief Inspector George Fawcett.

He said: "The use and sale of drugs causes devastating effects, which have far-reaching consequences.

"It can be quite surprising how many crimes committed relate back to drugs, from street robberies to murder in extreme cases.

"Throughout this week, we are focusing our activity on taking drugs off the streets by targeting the dealers who spread these dangerous substances."

Police are also highlighting the signs to look out for in relation to the cultivation of cannabis in homes.

There are often distinctive signs including people arriving and leaving properties at random times of the day and night as well as a pungent aroma in the area.

Det Chief Insp Fawcett added: "Drugs are a really serious issue and the community plays a vital role in providing information.

"We want people to look out for anyone suspicious visiting a local property on a regular basis at strange times, for large amounts of electrical wiring, light fittings, chemicals or compost being delivered to residential premises, or bright lights coming from a number of windows all night long."

Anyone with information about drugs in their community can call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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