Man Locked Up After £150,000 Stash and Drug Haul Found in Car and Home
Big Bust on Middleton Road
Matthew Harrison, 52, was slammed with a 12-year prison sentence at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 26 February 2026. The Oldham man was caught red-handed on 18 September 2025 driving a black BMW along Middleton Road when police swooped at around 2:35pm.
Officers found a huge stash inside the car: 6kg of cannabis, about 1,000 MDMA tablets, and 55g of cocaine. Harrison was quickly arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply both class A and B drugs.
£156,000 Cash and Luxury Items Seized
A thorough search of Harrison’s home revealed cash hidden under bedroom drawers, totaling a whopping £156,000. Police also confiscated a Rolex watch, several paintings, and two cash-counting machines – all signs of serious money laundering.
Police Warn: No Hiding for Drug Dealers
Detective Constable Andy Pearson of the Oldham Challenger team said: “This sentence shows we won’t tolerate drug supply or the harm it brings. Harrison was profiting from misery, but we made sure he faced justice.”
“Our officers work tirelessly to catch and stop dealers. We want the public to know we’re serious about clearing drugs off the streets.”
“Simple message: deal drugs or launder money, and we’ll find you, act, and you’ll be punished.”
“If you see drug activity, call 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Fighting Serious Crime Together
This crackdown forms part of Programme Challenger, Greater Manchester’s all-out fight against serious and organised crime. The initiative unites police, local councils, and community groups to target criminals and keep the streets safe.