The multi agency operation dubbed Op Blume was led by British Transport Police specialist County Lines taskforce supported by GMP and City of London Police dog section (Image: BTP)

Huge £6million cannabis haul discovered by police

by · Birmingham Live

A huge haul of cannabis worth £6.1 million was recovered after officers targeted key railway stations as part of a County Lines operation. A multi-agency taskforce deployed officers to three stations in Manchester during the space of 48 hours.

They arrested nine people, conducted 45 stop searches and searched three addresses in Manchester, Rochdale and the West Mercia area. A knife and £30k in cash were also seized.

One adult was also safeguarded at an address in the Manchester area. The Operation dubbed Op Blume was led by British Transport Police specialist County Lines taskforce supported by GMP and City of London Police dog section.

Read More: What we know so far after boy left fighting for his life in Birmingham A38 stabbing near Sainsbury's

Other partners included the National Crime Agency, immigration services and safeguarding partners, social workers and drug and alcohol workers.

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Det. Supt Craig Payne from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce said: “Robust operations like this take place across the rail network every day to disrupt County Lines. Sometimes you’ll spot us, sometimes you won’t. "

  • Craig Tomlinson, aged 50, of Duchess Court, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (Cannabis) and appeared before Carlisle Magistrates on Thursday. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Manchester Crown Court on 12 December.
  • Xiaowu CHEN, aged 56, of Stadium Drive, Manchester was also charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (Cannabis) and appeared at Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday and remanded in custody until his next appearance on 12 December at Manchester Crown Court.
  • A 17-year-old from the West Mercia area was also charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine and possession of criminal property.