Huge drugs stash seized

MASSIVE find . . . 43kg of amphetamine were seized

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POLICE seized nearly half a million pounds worth of drugs in Shaw yesterday.

Officers found around 43kg of amphetamine and 9kg of cannabis resin at a property on Astley Close ­- with some of the drugs found hidden in freezers next to frozen curry and chips.

Intent

The seizure of drugs, which has a street value of almost half a million pounds, is one of the largest hauls of amphetamine in Oldham in recent history.

A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply amphetamine and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Detective Inspector James Faulkner said: "Drugs ruin lives and we will systematically root out people who contribute to organised criminality."

The seizure comes as part of Operation Challenger ­- a long-running operation targeting organised crime activity around the supply of drugs across Greater Manchester.

Detective Inspector Faulkner added: "This is one of the largest seizures of amphetamine in recent history in Oldham and these arrests are part of an ongoing operation targeting drug dealing in the Shaw area.

"I'd like to thank those who have come forward with information from the communities in Oldham that have helped us in our fight against crime. We need people to come forward with information about criminality in their area to prevent people from benefiting from the proceeds of crime at the demise of others. If you know about it, report it.

"Organised crime has no place on the streets of Greater Manchester and we will continue to work tirelessly to remove the sources of revenue for organised crime groups."

Anyone with information about criminality in their area should contact police on 101 or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.