Understand
Over 250 police officers conduct raids in Greater Manchester to crack down on organised crime
Overview
More than 250 police officers from Greater Manchester Police participated in Operation Rivercrest, targeting suspected organised crime groups in Heywood and Rochdale. Seventeen people—sixteen men and one woman—were arrested on suspicion of offences including drug supply, assault, violent disorder, burglary, and robbery. The raids followed a six-month investigation sparked by an incident of violent disorder in April, with officers recovering weapons such as machetes and various Class A and B drugs.
Key points
- Over 250 police officers took part in raids across Heywood and Rochdale as part of Operation Rivercrest.
- Seventeen individuals, including 16 men and one woman, were arrested during the operation.
- Suspected offences include drug supply, assault, violent disorder, affray, burglary, and robbery.
- The six-month investigation was initiated following an episode of violent disorder in April.
- Police retrieved items including machetes, Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine), and Class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine).