Dawn raids across four properties across Oldham and Rochdale earlier this morning have seen seven people arrested.
A warrant was also executed in Liverpool with the support of Merseyside Police.
During the warrants, four men – aged 30, 31, 37 and 40 – and three women – aged 33, 38 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to supply firearms, conspiracy to supply class A drugs, money laundering and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. They all remain in custody for questioning.
Amongst other property, eight vehicles and approximately £20,000 in cash was also seized during searches of these addresses.
This action forms part of GMP’s continued effort – codenamed Operation Foam – to intercept and dismantle the criminal use of encrypted communication services, often used by organised crime groups.
Operation Foam forms part of the wider NCA led Operation Venetic, which has seen law enforcement agencies from across the country to break through the encrypted communication services being used by organised crime groups.
Detective Sergeant Alex Brown of GMP’s Oldham Challenger Team, said: “Today’s action is another fantastic result as we continue to target those using encrypted communication services to conduct illicit activity. I hope this sends a clear warning to those using these encrypted systems for criminality – our investigation is continuing at speed and we will continue to identify, disrupt and dismantle this type of activity.
“There is no place for organised crime within our communities and GMP is committed to ensuring those responsible face justice. As always, we would encourage anyone with any information or concerns in relation to this type of behaviour to make contact with police.”
