You’re nicked!
Reporter: LEWIS JONES
Date published: 27 May 2010
POLICE Tactical Aid Unit officers (left) force entry to a house in their swoop on organised crime
Police have launched a tough new operation to clamp down on drug dealers and break up organised crime in and around Oldham.
Operational Brunel aims to swoop on groups of criminals supplying class A drugs across the borough and throughout Greater Manchester, following bitter feuds that have ended in gunfire.
Under new force tactics, codenamed Vortex, mounted police, the Tactical Aid Unit, dogs and traffic and air teams have all been dispatched to come down hard on the criminals who use drug money to fund their extravagant lifestyles.
Dave Thompson, an assistant chief constable with Greater Manchester Police, said: “There have already been four people killed and a number of firearms incidents involving these criminals, and we are resolute in not allowing this to escalate.
“The message is clear — that crime does not pay.”
Legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act will be used to confiscate assets paid for through criminal activity.
So far, the intelligence-led operation’s first month of action has already had an impact, with 106 arrests, 239 stop checks on suspect vehicles and 27 vehicles seized. In Oldham, there have been 17 arrests for assaults, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and threats to kidnap and kill.
Seven cars were also seized.
The Counter Terrorism Unit and the Asset Recovery Agency have also been brought in to combat the increase of organised crime in Bury, Rochdale, North Manchester, Bolton and Oldham.
Mr Thompson said: “We will use the full force of the law to put an end to the activities of a small minority of callous criminals, whose activities have such a negative effect on our communities and the quality of the lives of law-abiding, decent people.”
Police are now appealing for more information from the public, who have already proved vital in the crackdown. To report crime ring 0161-872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk
