POLICE arrested nine people in dawn raids aimed at tackling organised drug crime across Greater Manchester.

Today, officers descended on seven addresses across the region as part of Operation Telegram - a scheme set up to target drug pushers.

Four women, aged 18, 27, 31 and 37, and five men, aged 19, 22, 30, 33 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

They all remain in custody for questioning.

Among the items seized were quantities of Class A and Class B drugs and mobile phones which will be analysed.

Detective sergeant Melanie Johnson, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime group, said: “Today was a great example of our specialist teams working together with the local community and our partner agencies to crackdown on those infiltrating our streets with drugs.

“We now have nine people in custody who will be questioned by my team throughout the day and I would like to thank our colleagues at Cheshire Police who supported with the warrant executed in Northwich this morning.

“We remain determined to eliminate drug supply across Greater Manchester and would urge anyone who has any concerns or suspicions to report it to the police, so that we can stop those benefitting from the supply of drugs.”

Operation Telegram was launched in June 2018 and prior to this latest operation has recovered around £14,000 worth of Class A and Class B drugs.