Cops storm homes and arrest Piccadilly Gardens gang suspects over slavery and drug crimes

Five men suspected of forcing teenagers to deal drugs for them have been arrested in a series of dawn raids. Officers targeted an alleged organised crime group operating in Piccadilly Gardens and areas of north Manchester in a series of raids this morning (October 24).

Greater Manchester Police says the group is believed to be using weapons and forcing youths to sell illicit drugs on their behalf. The five suspects, aged between 18 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of modern-day slavery and drug offences.

Officers from GMP's specialist Operation Vulcan team, which has been working to tackle crime at Piccadilly Gardens, executed five warrants at separate addresses across Manchester in the early hours of the morning. All five men remain in police custody for questioning.

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Detective Sergeant Pete Williams, from Operation Vulcan, said: “This morning we’ve executed a series of warrants targeting those who we suspect of preying on young people for their own financial gain. We’re acutely aware that criminal groups will seek to exploit young people to deal drugs and commit criminal activity on their behalf.

"People recruited by such groups might not see themselves as victims and might even be blinded by the offers of money and other incentives, but those higher up the chain are well and truly exploiting them to keep their own hands clean. By arresting these individuals, we’ve been able to safeguard and protect vulnerable teenagers connected to the suspects and others within the community."

GMP says concerns had been raised to police about the alleged organised crime group before an investigation was launched earlier this week. The force says it has taken 'swift action' to ensure 'they cannot harm anyone else' - while it is also working with partners to make sure the vulnerable young people who were targeted are 'safeguarded'.

Det Sgt Williams added: "Where we identify any victim of child criminal exploitation, we can utilise our strong working relationships with partners to ensure we enact comprehensive safeguarding measures to support victims and remove them from the risks of this lifestyle. We cannot secure results like this without the support of the local community, their support in reporting intelligence to us means we can play a part in making our neighbourhoods safer.

"I urge the public to keep sharing information about criminal activities or expressing their concerns through contacting us directly via our 24/7 Live Chat function, speaking to your local neighbourhood officer or anonymously through Crimestoppers. Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our investigations across Greater Manchester and could support us in safeguarding the most vulnerable in our communities."