FOURTEEN people were arrested as a series of drug and firearms raids were carried out across Greater Manchester - including Trafford.

The raids which were carried out at twelve addresses and a yacht in south Manchester, Trafford, Cumbria and Cheshire have recovered firearms, cannabis farms and a large amount of cash thought to be in excess of £100,000.

Firearms recovered include a loaded machine gun, a sawn off shot gun, a hand gun and ammunition. Cannabis factories were also found at five of the addresses as well as Class A drugs.

Twelve men and two women have been arrested for offences including the production and possession of drugs, possession of firearms, fraud and money laundering.

Approximately 100 officers from the dog, firearms, XTF and tactical aid units supported financial investigators and neighbourhood officers on the raids in properties in Broadheath, Timperley, Hale, Mere, Baguley and Wythenshawe.

The raids took place on Wednesday, February 19.

Detective Inspector Frank Morris who has been coordinating the operation said: “This is an excellent result and these arrests are part of an on-going investigation into the criminal activity of members of an organised crime group.

“The operation has been made possible due to the excellent partnership activity between Operation Bank, the Trafford Council Benefit Fraud Investigators and the Department of Works and Pensions Investigation team.

“All have made a significant contribution to the wide-ranging and meticulous intelligence gathering and planning process ahead of today's operation. The seizures along with the fourteen arrests have resulted in us being able to tackle drug culture head on and have taken serious weapons off the streets of Greater Manchester.”

Anyone with information on the supply of drugs in their area can contact police or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.