Officers swooped in a matter of moments after spotting someone in Piccadilly Gardens with crack cocaine on the eve of Manchester's Coronation celebrations. Police say they were in the area for less than a minute yesterday (May 6) before making an arrest.
It comes ahead of the screening of King Charles III's Coronation at Piccadilly Gardens, which gets underway later this morning (Saturday). Big screens will show the historic event, while traders will provide food and drink for the crowd.
Piccadilly Gardens will also be used for the Coronation Big Lunch tomorrow, with people invited to come together for a picnic. Yet last night, with hours to go before the festivities begin, Greater Manchester Police was forced to take swift action to deal with class A drugs in the area.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
A spokesperson for GMP City Centre posted on social media last night: "Covert Project Servator officers were in Piccadilly Gardens for less than a minute before arresting a male for possession of crack cocaine. We'll continue to deploy across the city, disrupting criminality and providing reassurance to the public."
GMP says Project Servator 'aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity - including terrorism - while providing a reassuring presence for the public'. Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious behaviour to GMP by calling 101 or visiting the force's website.
READ NEXT:
'The coronation reminds me of all the kings and queens we see in Manchester day in, day out'
Palace confirms Harry and Andrew will have no formal role at King’s coronation
'It's the worse-off I've ever been': The poverty in the shadow of the King's Coronation
'Quiet' estate rocked as man killed and police launch murder investigation
