COPS swooped on six addresses in Stretford this morning siezing cannabis with an estimated street value of nearly £13,000.

Officers also discovered a potentially dangerous dog and seized a car under the Proceeds of Crime Act during dawn raids executed across the town.

A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis and a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply as part of the operation.

The dog, a pit bull terrier, was seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act due to it being an illegal breed. Specialist dog handlers will now assess it.

The raids were carried out on Foxdenton Drive, Glastonbury Road, Hurstbrook Drive, Pullman Drive and Archer Place by officers from the Stretford Neighbourhood Policing Team, with assistance from Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Aid Unit and dog section.

Inspector Andy Sutcliffe of Stretford NPT said: “Residents have made it really clear to us that they are concerned about drug dealing and drug related activity and this is exactly the sort of tactic that we will use to address these concerns.

“Banned breeds of dog can be extremely volatile and unpredictable and it is essential that they are assessed to ensure they do not pose a serious danger to the public.

“I am hopeful that police work such as this will send out a strong message to criminals in the area that there is nowhere to hide and, if you choose to deal drugs or break the law, you will be caught.”

Her added: “It is essential that communities tell us about what is going on in their area so we can tackle the issues that are most important to them. This can be done by contacting the NPT, attending neighbourhood forum meetings or just stopping to chat with your local officer or PCSO.”

Stretford NPT are on 0161 856 7655 or email Stretford.area@gmp.police.uk