'Large-scale drugs manufacturing operation' discovered in Royton

Date published: 02 February 2023


Police have uncovered a shipping container full of illegal chemicals in Royton.

Dawn raids executed by GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group revealed a large-scale drugs manufacturing operation in Oldham yesterday morning (Wednesday), resulting in two men, aged 47 and 49, being arrested on suspicion of production of drugs and money laundering.

Detective Sergeant Alex Brown, of GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group, said: “These warrants and seizures are another huge step in our crackdown of the illegal drug market, which is heavily linked to exploitation and serious violence.

“The full extent of the operation is still being uncovered by officers at multiple addresses across Greater Manchester.

“Please don’t be alarmed if you see police in protective suits, this is standard procedure to ensure the safety of our officers.

"If anyone has any questions or concerns, please speak to one of the local officers, they are there to help you.

"As always, we would ask that anyone with information or anyone with concerns to contact us as we work to disrupt serious crime across the region.

"Intelligence from members of the public continuously helps us with our on-going investigations - no matter how small the information may seem.”

Information can be shared online via GMP's LiveChat facility at: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.