Operation Audacious
Today, Tuesday 6 December 2011, police have raided the homes of those suspected of drug dealing across the three Manchester divisions (North Manchester, south Manchester and Metropolitan divisions).
Hundreds of officers have been involved in the strikes for Operation Audacious, which took place at just after 6am, including specialist officers from GMP’s tactical aid, mounted, dogs and firearms units, as well as divisional and neighbourhood officers.
The actions of these officers were watched by more than 130 members of the community, who, in a first for GMP, were invited along so they could witness first-hand how police are putting a stop to drugs activity in their neighbourhood.
These observers included residents, people from local schools, community centres, business owners and councillors.
Drugs workers will also be on hand throughout the day to offer services to any prisoners that currently use drugs and who may want help to stop.
Over the past few months, officers have been building intelligence passed on from the local community on those who are suspected of street drug dealing, culminating in the largest single drugs strike that GMP has done in one day.
Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, Divisional Commander for North Manchester said: “Cracking down on drugs in our communities is a big priority for GMP and I hope today shows the people of Manchester just how seriously we are committed to this cause.
“Drugs are a major driving force behind many other crimes such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, and that is why we are determined to root out all those involved in this trade, from the addicts to the sellers to those who are bringing the drugs in.
"Today’s strikes have taken months in the planning and will have caused significant disruption to the users and suppliers of illegal drugs in Manchester. With the public’s help, this work will continue.
“Let today be a stark warning to anyone involved in drugs activity that not only will they end up behind bars, but through Proceeds of Crime Act legislation, they will also end up out of pocket."
Neighbourhood police officers will be available throughout the day at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre, where they will be speaking to people about today’s operation and encouraging people to pass on information about suspected drugs activity in their area.
More than 3,000 leaflets will also be distributed to residents in areas where raids have taken place.
Anyone can follow the progress of Operation Audacious throughout the day via twitter, at #OpAudacious.
If anyone has any information on those involved in the sale and supply of drugs in their area, locations where drug dealing is taking place, or those who they believe may be using drugs, please contact the police so something can be done about it.
Information can be passed on to police directly by calling the new non-emergency number, 101, or by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Operation Audacious
Today, Tuesday 6 December 2011, police have raided the homes of those suspected of drug dealing across the three Manchester divisions (North Manchester, south Manchester and Metropolitan divisions).
Hundreds of officers have been involved in the strikes for Operation Audacious, which took place at just after 6am, including specialist officers from GMP’s tactical aid, mounted, dogs and firearms units, as well as divisional and neighbourhood officers.
The actions of these officers were watched by more than 130 members of the community, who, in a first for GMP, were invited along so they could witness first-hand how police are putting a stop to drugs activity in their neighbourhood.
These observers included residents, people from local schools, community centres, business owners and councillors.
Drugs workers will also be on hand throughout the day to offer services to any prisoners that currently use drugs and who may want help to stop.
Over the past few months, officers have been building intelligence passed on from the local community on those who are suspected of street drug dealing, culminating in the largest single drugs strike that GMP has done in one day.
Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, Divisional Commander for North Manchester said: “Cracking down on drugs in our communities is a big priority for GMP and I hope today shows the people of Manchester just how seriously we are committed to this cause.
“Drugs are a major driving force behind many other crimes such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, and that is why we are determined to root out all those involved in this trade, from the addicts to the sellers to those who are bringing the drugs in.
"Today’s strikes have taken months in the planning and will have caused significant disruption to the users and suppliers of illegal drugs in Manchester. With the public’s help, this work will continue.
“Let today be a stark warning to anyone involved in drugs activity that not only will they end up behind bars, but through Proceeds of Crime Act legislation, they will also end up out of pocket."
Neighbourhood police officers will be available throughout the day at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre, where they will be speaking to people about today’s operation and encouraging people to pass on information about suspected drugs activity in their area.
More than 3,000 leaflets will also be distributed to residents in areas where raids have taken place.
Anyone can follow the progress of Operation Audacious throughout the day via twitter, at #OpAudacious.
If anyone has any information on those involved in the sale and supply of drugs in their area, locations where drug dealing is taking place, or those who they believe may be using drugs, please contact the police so something can be done about it.
Information can be passed on to police directly by calling the new non-emergency number, 101, or by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.