Raids target 'fast parcel' drugs importation gang

Arrests were made during dawn searches of 10 properties across Irlam, Salford, police say

Nine people have been arrested after a series of raids linked to a so-called "fast parcel" cannabis importation gang.

The practice sees the drug smuggled into the UK in packages from around the world via express delivery companies, Greater Manchester Police said.

The arrests were made during dawn searches of 10 properties across Irlam, Salford, on Thursday.

Police said £14,000 in cash, a cannabis farm and a large amount of more cannabis were also recovered.

Among those arrested were six men aged 35–59 and three women aged between 34–38.

All were held on suspicion of conspiracy to import and supply Class B drugs.

Det Insp Rebecca McGuigan said the warrants were "the result of a complex and intelligence-led investigation involving 75 officers".

"We are confident that this has significantly disrupted the operations of criminality in the area," she said.

"I'm incredibly proud of the team and the work that's gone into this operation. We're committed to stemming the flow of drugs in Greater Manchester."