Three alleged members of a drugs gang which subjected vulnerable adults to an 'horrific campaign of intimidation' have been arrested. Police in Rochdale say the gang 'ruled by fear, intimidation, threat and violence, to enslave vulnerable adults to do their bidding'.
Three people were arrested on Wednesday morning in a number of raids in Middleton and other parts of Greater Manchester following an investigation into modern slavery and drug dealing.
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Knives, an axe, machetes and a number of 'telecommunication devices' were seized in the raids. Police say they also discovered a number of vulnerable people forced to produce and sell drugs as victims of 'cuckooing' - where organised crime gangs take over a person's property and use it for criminal activity.
Det Sgt Gabe Gibson, of Rochdale Challenger Organised Crime Team, said: "The brazen behaviour of this group has to be seen to be believed. They had not only established a busy drug line and captured the market share of class A drugs supply but had also preyed upon the vulnerable addicts they serve, enslaving and immersing them into their egregious criminal practices.
"Today's arrests will serve as a reminder that such conduct will not be tolerated and will be met with an extremely robust policing response. Police and partner agencies will continue to work together to create an untenable environment for such criminal groups to operate in and will proactively target those who wish to undermine this work.
"Our investigations into these urban street gangs are ongoing, and we would ask anyone with any information to contact us."
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 or the Live Chat function gmp.police.uk.
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