10.2 C
Manchester
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Crime'Gas leak' call results in seizure of £27,000 in illegal goods

‘Gas leak’ call results in seizure of £27,000 in illegal goods

Police stumbled upon £27,000 of illegal goods and cash in Rochdale – after initially being called over a carbon monoxide leak.

At around 11.30pm on Sunday, a gas engineer was called to reports of a potential gas leak in Osborne Street –but was turned away by those in the address.

Police were called and officers attended the property.

After it was made safe, numerous suspected illegal goods and products were discovered, including items which had been thrown out of the window when officers arrived.

In total, officers seized:

  • 1400 vapes, with a value of approximately £14,000
  • 80 pouches of tobacco, with a value of approximately £3,000
  • 20 packs of cigarettes, with a value of approximately £240
  • Approximately £10,000 in cash.

In custody

Three men, aged 24, 29, and 32, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of money laundering and attempting to sell counterfeit goods. They remain in custody for questioning.

GMP has been working on cracking down on illegal vapes and products across the force and works closely with partners including Trading Standards to ensure consumers are receiving fully regulated products.

Vapes which have not been through the rigorous assessments as set by UK regulators could pose a health risk, and officers work hard to keep them off the streets.

Inspector Oliver Bailey said: “Sunday’s finds were a great success in our ongoing work to clamp down on illegal vapes being distributed across Rochdale. In recent months, we have taken thousands off the streets, made numerous arrests, and built a wider intelligence picture on how and where vapes are distributed.

“Illicit vapes which have not been through the appropriate regulatory system may present a health risk and I am delighted that we have stopped them from getting out to the public.

“If you have any information about illegal goods – whether that’s tobacco, cigarettes, vapes or anything else – then please do get in touch with us. You can report information to us by contacting 101, visiting gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

More News

Detective convicted of sexual offences is dismissed

Greater Manchester Police have dismissed detective sergeant Richard Mills and barred him from policing at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing. Mills was sentenced to 18 months...

Eight years behind bars for man who threw acid at teenager’s face

A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport. Gilson Martins (23) of Ashton Street,...

33 arrests, 80 traffic offences and £19,000 of illegal vapes seized in Bury

Officers in Bury made a total of 33 arrests on Thursday, for a range of offences including drug supply and burglary as part of...