Greater Manchester Police have seized an estimated £50,000 worth of drugs after executing six warrants across Ancoats, Gorton and Stockport — with one of the most striking discoveries a stash of cannabis hidden inside a washing machine at a property in Gorton.

Officers from the force’s Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Gorton and Levenshulme carried out the raids just before 6am on Monday 13 July 2026, supported by the Tactical Aid Unit and County Lines team. The operation followed a three-month investigation that began in April 2026 into suspected drug supply in the area.

Cannabis in the washing machine

During the search of an address in Gorton, officers found cannabis concealed in a domestic washing machine. Greater Manchester Police said the drugs recovered at the property alone were thought to be worth an estimated £50,000 at street value if sold on the streets.

Photographs released by the force show large quantities of cannabis packaged in clear plastic bags and branded pouches, recovered from inside the appliance and surrounding areas during the warrant.

Cover image: Greater Manchester Police.

Wider seizures and arrests

The dawn strikes targeted six addresses across central Manchester and Stockport. Alongside the cannabis find, officers seized what the force described as a large quantity of Class A and B drugs, cash and several e-bikes thought to have been used in street-level dealing.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of, and possession with intent to supply, controlled drugs of Class A, B and C. He remained in custody for questioning at the time of the force’s announcement.

A woman in her 30s was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and B controlled drugs. She was later released on police bail.

What GMP said

Inspector Zac Campbell, from GMP’s Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Gorton and Levenshulme, said the warrants followed “months of dedicated work by officers who have been gathering intelligence and evidence about suspected drug dealing in the community.”

He added that drug dealing “brings exploitation, violence and anti-social behaviour into our neighbourhoods,” and that the operation showed the value of partnership working across specialist GMP teams.

The force encouraged anyone with information about criminal activity to contact 101 for non-emergency matters, 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Context

Hiding cannabis in household appliances is not uncommon in UK enforcement cases, where dealers and suppliers attempt to conceal bulk quantities from plain-view searches. The Gorton find stands out because of the scale and street value attached to a single address, and because the force chose to highlight the washing machine discovery in its public release.

Monday’s operation was a strike day following intelligence gathering rather than a single reactive call, suggesting a planned disruption of suspected supply networks across several linked properties.

Developing story

This report focuses on the cannabis element of a wider drugs operation reported by Greater Manchester Police. We will update if the force releases further details, including charges or court appearances.

Anyone with information about drug dealing in Greater Manchester is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police via 101 or through the force’s website. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Greater Manchester Police, 14 July 2026.