POLICE have swooped on addresses in Oldham and Ashton as part of a crackdown on the supply of class A drugs.

Officers executed warrants at a number of locations across Tameside, and Rowantree in Oldham and Bentinck Street in Ashton as part of Operation Ferret.

The co-ordinated action involved partners from HMRC, Tameside Council, Trading Standards and the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority.

A man aged 43 was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs Class A and B, and possession of cannabis.

A man aged 38 was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs Class A and B, and possession of criminal property.

A man aged 35 was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

HMRC also seized a large amount of suspected contraband alcohol from both shops.

Dete Sgt Lisa Devitt said: “We are committed to systematically rooting out and dismantling groups that seek to profit from flooding our streets with drugs.

“Drugs blight communities and ruin lives. We now have three people in custody as a result of the hard work of our dedicated officers, together with the support of our partner agencies.

“I want to thank our local communities, as without them working with us and reporting these crimes, we couldn’t have carried out such an extensive operation.

“These raids show how committed we are to eradicating drugs from our streets. However, I would continue to urge people to report any suspicious activity to police so that we can stop criminals benefitting from organised crime and drug supply.

“Our message is simple: If you know about it - report it.

“Drugs and the organised crime their supply is associated with have no place on the streets of Greater Manchester.”

Anyone with information on drugs supply should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.