A significant drug bust occurred in Manchester on November 27, 2023, when police discovered a stash of crack cocaine and heroin after pursuing a suspicious e-bike. The incident unfolded around 17:00 local time, when a police drone observed a child, aged 10, riding as a passenger on the e-bike, which was being driven dangerously through the streets.
The drone, operated by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) drone unit, tracked the e-bike to an address in Tavistock Square, Harpurhey. Upon searching the premises, officers recovered 94 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with multiple smart whip canisters, a machete, a small quantity of cannabis, cash, and mobile phones.
According to a spokesperson from GMP, the e-bike was seen weaving in and out of traffic and even mounting the pavement, prompting immediate police action. They stated, “Once spotted, the drone unit tracked the bike to an address, which was subsequently searched and revealed multiple suspected illicit goods.”
Following the search, a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of Class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.
Community Impact and Police Response
The operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the use of e-bikes in criminal activities within the community. The GMP’s North Manchester Neighbourhood Team has been actively addressing the anti-social use of e-bikes, collaborating with specialist teams from the drone unit to enhance safety in the area.
Inspector Dan Pickavance from GMP’s Harpurhey Neighbourhood Team commented, “We fully appreciate the issues that our communities have encountered with off-road bikes and similar vehicles – from their use in criminality to dangerous driving. We have subsequently launched proactive patrols to tackle them and provide reassurance to people who are fed up with how they are being used.”
The police have intensified their efforts to combat the dangerous use of e-bikes and off-road vehicles, which have been reported as causing significant issues for local residents. This initiative includes multiple patrols and swift responses to suspected criminal activities.
Inspector Pickavance expressed satisfaction with the recent operation, noting, “This operation has resulted in an arrest and multiple drugs being seized, which is a great result for the local neighbourhood team. This is the sort of action we will be hoping to take over the Winter period as we intensify our work as part of Operation North Star.”
The ongoing commitment of GMP to address these pressing issues reflects their determination to enhance community safety and reduce the risks associated with the misuse of e-bikes in the area.
