Police Smash Counterfeit Diazepam Labs in Salford and Wigan
Greater Manchester Police have raided nine addresses across Salford and Wigan, uncovering two high-tech labs churning out thousands of counterfeit Diazepam pills every hour. The bust is part of a major crackdown on illegal prescription drug manufacturing and supply.
Massive Drug Operation Dismantled
Officers swooped on labs located on Albion Street in Salford and Lower Green Lane in Wigan, believed to be producing vast quantities of fake Diazepam. The operation, led by GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG), falls under Operation Cranium, which targets counterfeit drugs primarily sold around the Cheetham Hill area.
- Four men aged between 42 and 77 arrested for conspiracy to supply Class C drugs
- One 42-year-old also hit with firearm conspiracy charges
- £20,000 cash seized
- Luxurious Rolex and Omega watches worth around £30,000 confiscated
- Three firearms and ammunition taken from an Astley address, pending tests
Prior Giant Benzodiazepine Haul Links to Ongoing Probe
This swoop follows a staggering seizure of over 2.6 million Benzodiazepine tablets on the M61 motorway near Rivington Services last month. Ehsan Ahamath, 32, from Norfolk, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply.
GMP Warns Against Dangerous Illegal Prescription Drugs
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Faulkner of GMP’s SOCG said:
“Misuse of prescription drugs can have fatal consequences. People have already fallen seriously ill or died after buying these drugs illegally.”
Faulkner added:
“Illegal drug dealing wrecks communities and risks lives. We work closely with Public Health and the Greater Manchester Drugs Early Warning System to combat new drug threats.
“Today’s raids smashed a sophisticated operation and hopefully saved lives. Our fight isn’t over.”
The dismantling of lab equipment is ongoing as investigations continue.
Faulkner also issued a stark warning:
“Taking prescription drugs without proper medical guidance is extremely dangerous. Illicit drugs may be fake, contaminated, or dangerously dosed. Anyone buying them can’t know what’s inside.”
If you spot suspicious activity linked to illegal prescription drugs, report it immediately at www.gmp.police.uk via LiveChat or online.
