Three men have been arrested after police stormed homes in south Manchester amid fears they were being used for cuckooing.
The suspects, aged 20, 23, and 27, were detained following raids carried out by GMP's organised crime team in Fallowfield and Hulme in the early hours of Thursday (16 March).
They were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organised crime group following the busts at Duffield Court and Brennan Close.
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Drugs and approximately £12,000 in cash was seized by officers from Operation Challenger's City of Manchester South organised crime team - supported by the Tactical Aid Unit.
The raid formed part of their investigation into a suspected county lines criminal network and came following fears that properties may have been being used for cuckooing.
The term refers to when organised crime groups exploit vulnerable people who may be disabled or addicted to class A drugs. They do this by moving into their home to use it as a drugs den, often banishing them into one room and left too scared to come out.
This operation identified one of the addresses may have been subject to cuckooing and the activity enabled safeguarding interventions to be put in place to protect those who could be vulnerable.
Detective Inspector Lee Newburn, from Challenger’s COM South organised crime team, said: “This morning we have detained three men who we suspect of being in control of a property used to store and deal class A drugs.
“We have also disrupted that property which has ensured those who are potentially being put a risk have been safeguarded and the threat posed from organised criminals has been disrupted.
“I want to take this opportunity to encourage the public to get to know the signs of drug activity and criminal exploitation and to report it, so we can take action that protects vulnerable people.”
Below are some pointers to check to see if cuckooing is taking place in your neighbourhood:
- Have you not seen your neighbour for a while? Or if you have, is there a clear change in their behaviour or routine?
- Has there been a noticeable increase in visitors to their property, perhaps at unsociable hours?
- Are the windows covered or the curtains closed at the property all the time?
- Do you see people you don’t recognise outside your neighbour’s property perhaps always talking on their phone?
If you believe drug activity or exploitation of vulnerable people is taking place in your community please contact GMP on 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 if you are in danger.
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