Police arrested five men, aged between 18 – 23 on suspicion of modern-day slavery and drug offences in early morning raids earlier today
They remain in police custody for questioning.
The raids followed investigations into an alleged organised crime group (OCG) operating in North Manchester and Piccadilly Gardens
Detective Sergeant Pete Williams, from Operation Vulcan, said: “This morning we’ve executed a series of warrants targeting those who we suspect of preying on young people for their own financial gain.
“We’re acutely aware that criminal groups will seek to exploit young people to deal drugs and commit criminal activity on their behalf. People recruited by such groups might not see themselves as victims and might even be blinded by the offers of money and other incentives, but those higher up the chain are well and truly exploiting them to keep their own hands clean.
“By arresting these individuals, we’ve been able to safeguard and protect vulnerable teenagers connected to the suspects and others within the community. Where we identify any victim of child criminal exploitation (CCE), we can utilise our strong working relationships with partners to ensure we enact comprehensive safeguarding measures to support victims and remove them from the risks of this lifestyle.
