Thirteen people have been charged following a massive series of police raids across Greater Manchester, targeting a family-run organised crime group suspected of exploiting children.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police carried out 22 warrants on February 18, 2026, as part of a regional crackdown that included activity in Stockport neighborhoods such as Woodley, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Norris, and Mottram Fold. A total of 23 people were arrested during the operation, including 17 men and six boys aged between 13 and 17.
Those charged, identified as members of the Azad family and their associates, face allegations of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, human trafficking, and conspiracy to burgle or steal. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson stated that the group is accused of using children as young as 12 to act as drug mules for their criminal business.
The suspects are appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on February 20, 2026, while 10 other people have been released on bail pending further investigation. A separate bomb squad incident on Schools Hill, which began on February 17, was found to be unrelated to the raids and involved a World War II military memorabilia device.
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