Three arrests following morning raids by Greater Manchester Police.

The arrests were made as part of Operation Foam

Three men have been arrested after morning raids by Greater Manchester Police.

The arrests took place during raids at addresses in Chadderton, Heywood, Miles Platting and Blackley.

All three men – aged 31, 34 and 36 – are being held in custody on suspicion of firearm and drug offences.

The action forms part of Operation Foam – the GMP strand of the NCA-led Operation Venetic - which has seen law enforcement agencies across the UK work together to break a highly sophisticated encrypted global communication service, which was being used by organised crime groups.

During the searches this morning, officers seized electronic devices, cash and a quantity of drugs, which will be examined and used in evidence.

Detective Inspector Ian McNabb of GMP’s Challenger Team, said: “Operation Foam is GMP’s dedicated strand of Operation Venetic, and it’s a mammoth operation that has required hours of complex and sophisticated investigative work.

“We currently have three men in custody which serves as testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved in the operation."

“GMP is dedicated to ensuring our communities are kept safe and today’s result is another step forward in this mission. Organised criminal activity can not only have a devastating impact on individual lives but it can blight communities and GMP, alongside specialist agencies, will continue to disrupt and dismantle this activity.”

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