More than 60 people arrested after drugs and weapons seized in police raids

More than 60 people were arrested after drugs and weapons were seized in a series of police raids across Manchester.

Officers raided addresses in Openshaw, Moston and Wythenshawe as part of Operation AVRO yesterday (Thursday). A total of 62 people were arrested for a range of offences including drug supply, possession of offensive weapons and robbery.

A huge haul of stolen goods were seized from several properties, including £20,000 worth of class A drugs from an address in Potato Wharf. A total of 54 electric bikes were also seized in the city centre.

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A total of £1,500 worth of illegal vapes and cigarettes were also seized from a premises in Gorton. During the operation, officers also found 219 traffic offences being committed.

In total, 23 vehicles were seized and two traffic-related arrests were made. High-visibility patrols also took place in the city centre, with officers supporting a woman who used the ‘Ask for Angela’ process at one bar.

Officers also engaged in prevention activity, with weapons sweep carried out and drugs talks delivered at local schools.

Chief Superintendent David Meeney, District Commander for the City of Manchester, said: “Operation AVRO is an opportunity for more officers to be on visible patrol across Manchester. The activity was based around issues that have been fed back from our communities, such as drug dealing and serious violence.

“Our resources were deployed across the whole district and we were really grateful for the feedback we received from members of the public throughout the day.”