Two people from Moston have been arrested as part of an National Crime Agency investigation into a suspected organised crime group believed to have been involved in the importation of a significant amount of MDMA into the UK in picture frames and sealant tubes.
The duo were detained on suspicion of being concerned in the importation and exportation of class A controlled drugs during raids in Manchester and Doncaster in the early hours of this morning.
The NCA investigation started after five parcels with a significant amount of MDMA in crystalline form – destined for addresses in the UK – were intercepted within a month. The first was found in Belgium on 8 November 2019, and the following four were intercepted between 5 and 6 December by Border Force at Coventry International postal hub.
The exact weight and purity of the MDMA is yet to be determined, but the amount is likely to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
NCA investigators believe the crime group are also responsible for exporting MDMA, with destinations including New Zealand.
A 41-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were arrested at his home in the Moston area of Manchester. Further addresses were raided including a bar and nightclub in the centre of the city, and an address in the Harworth area of Doncaster.
Chief Inspector Zac Fraser, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said:
“We welcome the action taken by our colleagues at the NCA to disrupt and dismantle serious organised criminality with the communities of Greater Manchester.
“Officers from our city centre licencing team attended the bar and nightclub involved in today’s action to ensure that they were adhering to their requirements to provide safe and legally compliant venues so that the public can continue to enjoy the venues in a safe environment.
“Whilst the NCA investigation progresses we will continue to work closely with our key partners within Manchester City Council to target premises and organisations with links to criminal activity. Drugs and other organised crime have no place on our streets.”
