Four arrested in £1m drugs seizure following Rochdale investigation
Six-month operation dismantles suspected organised crime network
Four men have been arrested following a comprehensive investigation into suspected large-scale drug distribution, resulting in the seizure of over £1 million worth of drugs in Rochdale.
Officers from the Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG), supported by the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), executed six warrants across Rochdale on 28th September 2026, marking the culmination of six months of detailed investigative work.
Investigation details
Throughout the investigation, officers utilised surveillance, telecommunications data, and various inquiries to map out the suspected drug network. This intelligence led them to several premises linked to the storage and distribution of illicit substances.
During the operation, a property on Manchester Road, Rochdale, initially appearing residential, was found to house a significant drug storage facility. Officers discovered a comprehensive list of over 100 different drug types, spanning Class A, B, and C categories, alongside £60,000 in cash and numerous electronic devices, including over 30 mobile phones.
Arrests made
The operation resulted in the arrest of four men:
A 52-year-old and a 23-year-old were apprehended on Twingate, Rochdale.
A 51-year-old was arrested on Whittaker Lane, Rochdale.
A 44-year-old was taken into custody on Kingsway, Manchester.
All four men are currently in custody, facing charges of conspiracy to supply Class A, B, and C drugs.
Police statement
Detective Inspector Rich McCorry from the SOCG emphasized the significance of the operation, describing it as targeting a "sophisticated and well-established organised crime group." He stated: “We believe this is a sophisticated and well-established organised crime group. The premises we entered today were fully equipped with security measures, laptops and large quantities of drugs.”
McCorry further highlighted the broader impact of such criminal activities, asserting GMP's commitment to dismantling these networks and thanking the dedicated officers involved in the investigation.
As the investigation continues, further examinations of the seized evidence aim to uncover the full scope of the drug operation, including its sourcing, storage, and distribution methods.