Suspects flush cash down toilets as police raid them

Suspects tried to flush cash down toilets as police carried out raids targeting criminal gangs.

Eight properties in Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale earlier, focused on criminals suspected to use vulnerable people's homes to stash drugs or weapons - a practice known as "cuckooing".

Warrants were executed simultaneously at the properties at 05:00 GMT on 19 March, with drugs and £70,000 recovered from the homes, as well as firearms and a zombie knife.

Ch Supt Shan Nasim said: "Organised criminals exploit vulnerable people and blight our communities. We will take robust action to catch offenders."

Police said seven men and two women were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and being part of an organised crime group.

A man and woman have also been arrested for possession with intent to sell Class C drugs and possession of offensive weapon - in the form of a zombie knife.

Police also recovered an air rifle and a BB gun that was in the process of being converted to look like a black hand gun.

"Today's operation has been a powerful example of our continued, determined effort to dismantle organised crime in our district and Greater Manchester," Nasim said.

"We have 11 people in custody being questioned by our investigation teams in relation to an organised crime group that have been causing widespread harm across our communities."

Nasim added: "We will take robust action to catch offenders, keep our communities safe, and protect vulnerable people across Greater Manchester."

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