Key Points
- Multiple police raids executed across Bolton targeting suspected drug supply and county lines operations.
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested two teenagers (aged 17 and 19) and several adults on allegations relating to drug supply, possession of offensive weapons, and cash seizures.
- Significant quantities of cocaine, cannabis, cash (around £6,000), and weapons including a machete and CS spray recovered.
- One vulnerable adult believed to be a victim of “cuckooing” was safeguarded.
- Raids form part of a coordinated crackdown on county lines and drug-related exploitation in Greater Manchester.
- Over 400 drug lines have reportedly been dismantled by GMP since the force’s county lines unit was established.
- Community intelligence played a crucial role, with police urging continued assistance from the public.
- Senior police officials, including Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop and Detective Inspector Zoe Macdonald, outlined the operation’s significance and pledged ongoing efforts.
A major crackdown on organised crime in Bolton resulted in the recovery of weapons, narcotics and cash, with both adult and teenage suspects arrested as part of a broad campaign led by Greater Manchester Police to disrupt county lines drug distribution.
What Prompted the Police Action in Bolton?
As reported by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) press office, referenced by a statement from Detective Inspector Zoe Macdonald, a series of early morning raids were executed on Avenue Street, Leonard Street and Tarleton Place in Bolton on Thursday 6 March and Wednesday 30 July 2025.
The primary aim was to target criminal networks engaged in drug supply and “cuckooing”—a criminal practice whereby offenders take over the home of a vulnerable person for nefarious purposes, often using the premises to store drugs or weapons.
Who Was Arrested During These Raids?
As covered by the GMP and confirmed in multiple local media reports, several individuals were arrested, spanning both teenagers and adults. According to the GMP release and reporting by Yahoo News UK's newsroom, suspects included a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old detained on suspicion of drug-related offences.
The GMP’s press office also stated:
“A man and a woman, aged 45 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of possession of intent to supply drugs. Shortly after, we arrested a 23-year-old man in a second flat in the same building, who police believe to be the head of the drugs line, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession with intent to supply. A 24-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.”
All suspects are currently being questioned by police, with investigations ongoing.
What Was Seized by Police?
As reported by journalists from both the GMP Newsroom and Yahoo News UK, the following items were recovered:
- “Large quantities of drugs”—specifically cocaine and cannabis.
- Around £6,000 in cash.
- Weapons including a machete, a large double-edged knife, and a canister of CS spray.
A vulnerable adult was also discovered in one of the flats, suspected to have been exploited and “cuckooed.” This person has now been removed from the property and steps are being taken to ensure their safety through multi-agency safeguarding.
How Have the Police Described the Operation?
Detective Inspector Zoe Macdonald, quoted directly by the GMP’s official statement, said:
“This morning’s activity has garnered significant results for the force, not only have we been able to arrest a man who we believe to be a key player in this drugs line, but most importantly, we’ve been able to safeguard a vulnerable adult who was being exploited... Our County Lines Team continues to develop and enhance the ways we work with partners and gather intelligence to ensure we are identifying offenders and safeguarding potential victims at the earliest opportunity, and our work remains ongoing to tackle drug crime and the associated violence and exploitation that this illicit trade brings.”
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, as reported by Yahoo News UK’s editorial team, commented:
“These arrests exemplify the persistent efforts our officers are undertaking to dismantle county lines networks and safeguard vulnerable individuals from exploitation. We are dedicated to transforming Greater Manchester into a hostile environment for those engaged in drug distribution. Each line we shut down brings us closer to safer streets and robust communities. We encourage anyone with insights regarding drug-related activities in their neighbourhoods to come forward—your assistance is crucial in helping us achieve justice.”
How Does This Fit into Greater Manchester’s Wider Crackdown on County Lines?
According to the GMP statement and Yahoo News UK report, the raids are a part of a broader, ongoing operation designed to disrupt county lines—drug distribution networks that exploit both adults and children.
As noted by GMP’s official figures:
- Since late 2022, GMP’s County Lines Team has executed around 140 warrants and made approximately 366 arrests, charging 304 individuals with offences related to drug supply or violence.
- More than 100kg of class A and B drugs have been recovered, and about 397 county drug lines have been dismantled, resulting in sentences totalling over 750 years.
For the current fiscal year alone, 100 lines have already been closed, with the force on track to surpass its record of 181 closures from the previous year.
What is “Cuckooing” and How Are Victims Being Protected?
“Cuckooing” refers to when drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person (often someone with disabilities or addiction issues) to use their premises for drug storage or distribution. During the Bolton raids, GMP officers identified at least one victim and removed them from the situation. The force highlighted the importance of multi-agency safeguarding to support victims and the ongoing need for community vigilance.
Detective Inspector Macdonald emphasised:
“We cannot secure results like this without the support of the local community, their confidence in reporting intelligence to us means we can play a part in making our neighbourhoods safer. I urge the public to keep sharing information about criminal activities or expressing their concerns through contacting us directly, speaking to your local neighbourhood officers or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”
How Has the Community Reacted?
While most reaction is filtered through the police’s official communication and media reports, there is a consistent undercurrent of support for GMP’s robust response to the issue of drugs and public safety. Community members are reportedly sharing information that has been instrumental to ongoing investigations, as encouraged by both senior officers and neighbourhood policing teams.
What Happens Next?
All suspects remain in custody as GMP continues its investigative work. Forensic analysis of the seized items will follow, and support teams are working to protect and rehabilitate any individuals subjected to exploitation.
Police remind the public that every piece of information, no matter how minor it seems, can make a difference:
“Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our investigations across Greater Manchester and could support us in safeguarding the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Detective Inspector Macdonald via GMP Newsroom.