Salford Drug Gang Busted in Early Morning Raids
Nine men have been arrested in a major crackdown on organised crime in Salford. Officers from the Salford Challenger organised crime team teamed up with GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit and others to swoop on suspected drug dealers selling class A substances.
Operation Display Targets County Lines Network
Dubbed Operation Display, this coordinated attack follows a long investigation into a rampant county lines drug operation stretching across Salford. Greater Manchester Police executed warrants in Salford, Gorton, and Oldham under the Misuse of Drugs Act, nabbing key suspects linked to the network. More arrests are expected as the operation rolls on.
Salford’s Streets Plagued by Heroin and Crack Cocaine Trade
The Pendleton area, including Salford Precinct and Broadwalk, has been a hotspot for street-level drug sales for years. Dealers also operate in Broughton, Higher Broughton, and Eccles. The main drugs involved are heroin and crack cocaine, with cannabis rings also uncovered. Rival gangs have fought violent turf wars here, resulting in shootings, stabbings, and even deaths.
Police and Community Join Forces to Fight Back
In response, Salford Connect was set up to protect victims of ‘cuckooing’ — where criminals exploit vulnerable people’s homes. So far, police have identified 37 street dealers in Pendleton, Eccles, and Broughton. The first phase of Operation Display has singled out 14 suspects, including three teenagers.
“Those involved in crime will be relentlessly pursued,” said Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan of GMP’s Salford Challenger team. “Thanks to our officers and NWROCU for the intelligence that made these arrests possible.”
Following the raids, police teamed up with Crimestoppers to urge the public to come forward with any info on organised crime.
