Four arrested as police smash into homes in dawn drugs raids

Four men have been arrested in a county lines drugs crackdown across Bolton. Officers carried out seven warrants in the town on Thursday morning (May 2).

Three men, aged 21, 24, and 26, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs, participation in an organised gang and modern slavery offences. One man, aged 26, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Greater Manchester Police said Class A and Class B drugs were also seized during searches of properties. The force said the arrests showed criminals 'that we will never tolerate them', and they are 'dedicated to protecting' communities.

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The four men remain in custody for questioning.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said county lines gangs 'exploit the most vulnerable in society and inflict considerable harm on the wider community'.

“As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we have worked jointly with Greater Manchester Police to disrupt the activity of these gangs and hold those responsible to account," they added. "As a council, we will always be relentless in identifying anyone who exploits others and take decisive action to keep Bolton’s children and vulnerable adults safe.

“Our specially trained staff continue to work with the victims and to support all those affected.”

Detective Inspector Zoe MacDonald, from GMP’s County Lines Team, said: “Drugs and the people who supply them can cause an incredible amount of harm in our community. From addiction to the exploitation of the most vulnerable, illicit substances cause so many types of hurt and criminality across so many towns