POLICE arrested 12 people in a series of dawn drug raids across Bolton this morning.

Officers from the police's organised crime unit raided nine properties in Great Lever, Farnworth and Deane from 7am this morning, finding heroin and crack cocaine in several of them.

Another two homes were raided in Wigan, and in total 11 men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs.

All the suspects are now in police custody for questioning as police continue to search the homes.

The arrests are the latest in "Operation Maxima", which was launched last month when 14 people were arrested in dawn raids across Bolton.

Det Insp Chris Walker, from Bolton’s organised crime unit, said: “Today we have continued in our fight against drugs in Bolton and, after gathering intelligence over the past few weeks, we have arrested 12 people this morning on suspicion of drugs-related activity.

“Members of the community are quite rightly fed up of drug dealing taking place in their neighbourhoods and the direct impact this has on people’s everyday lives should not be underestimated.

“I hope today’s action goes a long way to prove we also share the community’s views, stand side by side with residents and are determined to bring these dealings to an end.


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“We understand this will not happen overnight but we are certainly dedicated to causing as much disruption as possible to their illegal activities.

“If you have information about anyone who you think may be involved in the sale or supply of drugs in your area, please get in touch.

"Any calls we receive will be investigated and acted upon accordingly.”

Bolton’s organised crime unit can be contacted on 0161 8565597 or information can be passed on to police anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The police have produced a video to promote the operation, which you can watch here: