First arrests made linked with supply of nitazenes

Yesterday (Wednesday 8 May 2024), we arrested two people on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, during our first ever warrant linked with the supply of newly recognised Class A drug, nitazenes.

• A man and woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs
• Ten kilos of suspected drugs seized
• This activity is linked to an investigation into drugs found in Tameside, but is part of a wider operation to prevent nitazenes spreading across GM

With the help of officers from West Midlands Police, we busted into an industrial unit on Tay Road, Birmingham, locating and seizing approximately ten kilos of suspected drugs.

Subsequently, a 34-year-old man was arrested on Fox Hill, and a 31-year-old woman on Rough Road, both in Birmingham.

They remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, force lead for drugs, said, “This activity is the first of its kind for GMP, as nitazenes were only last month classified amongst the likes of heroin and cocaine.

“The overt activity that’s taken place today out of our force area is linked with an ongoing investigation into drugs found at a property in Tameside in March. The forensic results of these drugs found that they contained nitazenes. It is, however, also part of our overarching response to preventing the spread of nitazenes in Greater Manchester. 

“I want to reassure people that tackling drug supply continues to be incredibly important for us, and doesn’t stop at the Greater Manchester borders. We continue to work closely with partners to respond to new and emerging drug threats.

"We are committed to taking illegal drugs off the streets and preventing further people coming to harm at the hands of them."

If you have information on the supply of drugs, please contact us on 101, online or in an emergency, on 999. If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, you can report information by calling independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.