Body building products and weight loss drugs seized in series of raids

Four people have been arrested after police seized what they believe could be up to one million illicit pharmaceutical drugs during raids linked to an organised crime group.

Three arrests were made at four addresses in Rochdale following a six-month investigation. A fourth person was arrested in Manchester.

Officers suspect the group was distributing drugs including diazepam, bodybuilding products and weight-loss medications across the UK.

Det Insp Rich McCorry said there were "serious dangers" associated with unlicensed drugs being sold to the public.

Two men aged 23 and 52 were arrested at an address on Twingate in Rochdale. A 51-year-old man was arrested on Whittaker Lane in the town, while a 44-year-old man was arrested on Kingsway in Manchester.

All four were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A, B and C drugs and remain in custody.

Police said they believe up to one million tablets were recovered during the operation, which targeted properties linked to suspected drug storage and distribution.

Greater Manchester Police executed six warrants as part of a six-month investigation led by its Serious Organised Crime Group.

McCorry said officers used surveillance, drug seizures, phone analysis and automatic number plate recognition data to build evidence against the suspects.

One of the properties searched off Manchester Road is believed to have been used as a drug safe house.

Officers recovered £60,000 in cash and seized 30 mobile phones and several laptops from what they described as a professional operation.

Police said the devices could help identify how the drugs were sourced and supplied, while specialists analyse the substances recovered.

McCorry described the suspected drugs network as a "huge operation" worth several million pounds.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.