The success of a major Manchester drug crackdown which saw more than 45 dealers plucked from the streets of Cheetham Hill will be displayed in Piccadilly Gardens on an ad van today.
Operation Cairo saw officers execute raids in October and April across 60 homes in North Manchester with criminals amassing a total of 147 years in prison for drug activity.
Cheetham Hill, once rife with drug dealing, was targeted by officers after a number of residents complained about daylight narcotics activity last summer.
To reinforce the police’s commitment to stamping out drug dealing, the ad van was first driven around the streets of Cheetham Hill on Wednesday.
Superintendent Vanessa Jardine said: “Drug dealing appeared to be on the increase in Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall, to the extent that those involved appeared not to care that they were doing this in broad daylight.
“The residents who helped us then accompanied us on the raids we carried out to make arrests, so they could see first-hand what we were doing. It is only right that we take the time to go back out onto the streets and underline what the eventual outcome was.
“Operation Cairo is one of many reasons why Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall continue to be better places for people to live in, but what we are doing today illustrates that we are not resting on our laurels and will always be ready to act on reports that come into us.
“Throughout the operation drugs workers have also been on hand to support those who have suffered from drug abuse. To build on our successes we need to ensure that the whole community is on board for a brighter future.”
Anyone with information about those involved in drug-related activity in their area should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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