Greater Manchester Police Arrest 23 in Major Crackdown on ‘Family Run’ Organised Crime Group

Rochdale, Greater Manchester — A major coordinated police operation across Greater Manchester has led to the arrest of 23 suspects, including a man detained in Rochdale, as officers target a family-run organised crime group believed to be operating across the region.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that one of the 23 suspects was arrested in Rochdale on Wednesday, 18th February 2026. The arrest was part of a large-scale day of action involving 22 warrants executed by approximately 258 officers.

The operation was led by the force’s Serious Crime Division, with Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson present to oversee the day of action.


Wider Regional Operation

While the majority of arrests were made in the City of Manchester and Salford, police confirmed that the operation extended well beyond these boundaries. In addition to the Rochdale arrest, warrants were executed in Wigan, Bury, and Bolton.

The operation also saw collaboration with other police forces, leading to arrests in Merseyside and south Wales.

Suspects and Alleged Offences

In total, seventeen men, aged between 18 and 55, and six boys, aged between 13 and 17, were arrested. They have been detained on suspicion of a range of serious offences, including:

• Conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs
• Modern slavery offences
• Robbery

Significant Seizures

During the warrants, officers seized a significant haul of items believed to be linked to the group’s criminal activities. The recovered property included:

• Two imitation firearms
• Bladed articles
• Tasers
• Cocaine and ketamine
• Approximately £3,000 in cash
• Eight Rolex watches and other valuables worth more than £40,000
• A caravan, believed to have been used by the group

The operation represents a significant disruption to a suspected organised crime network operating in the region. All suspects remain in custody for questioning as investigations continue.