Heroin worth £200k seized in housing estate raids

Police have made 15 arrests following a series of raids

Heroin with an estimated street value of about £200,000 and "deadly weapons" have been seized during raids at a housing estate in which 15 people were arrested.

Police in the Brinnington area of Stockport recovered 12 knives as well as £17,000 in suspected illicit cash, thousands of pounds worth of cannabis and 12 vehicles including two e-bikes.

Arrests were made on suspicion of offences including possession with intent to supply drugs, failing to appear at court, dangerous driving, and weapons possession.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said criminals had been drug dealing in broad daylight in the area. Ch Insp Clare Ryle stressed her force "will not tolerate it... and we will take action".

Heroin and cannabis were seized in the police raids

The senior officer said the policing operation - which runs until the end of November and follows a survey by the force of what the community wants - was "smashing anti-social behaviour, crime and drug-dealing".

Specialist teams from GMP's traffic units have monitored illegal and unsafe driving, while the force's drone unit has been tracking and tracing off-road bikes.

Meanwhile the force's knife crime teams have been patrolling in known hotspot areas and transport hubs.

Heroin with an estimated street value of £200,000 has been recovered

"The work has seen multiple arrests, kilos of dangerous drugs seized, and deadly weapons taken off the streets," said Ch Insp Clare Ryle.

While the police crackdown in Brinnington only runs until the end of the month, "it is by no means an end to the action," she said.

"By gathering intelligence through this action, we can continue to put officers and resources where needed and ultimately provide the best policing service for the people of Brinnington."

Ch Insp Clare Ryle says the operation proves Greater Manchester Police "will not tolerate" anti-social and/or criminal behaviour in Brinnington

Councillor Dan Oliver, cabinet member for public protection at Stockport Council, said the local authority was, alongside GMP, "committed to making our communities safer".

He said the action that had so far been taken "shows the real difference proactive policing and enforcement make in our communities".

Oliver added: "We know how much people value safe, welcoming neighbourhoods and feeling proud of where they live.

"The strength of community spirit in Brinnington cannot be understated and by bringing services together and working closely with local people, we are responding to issues more effectively and helping our communities to thrive."

He urged residents "to share their concerns and work with local officers, to make Brinnington a safer neighbourhood for everyone".