A shipping container full of chemicals believed to be linked to a Breaking Bad-style drug factory has been discovered by cops. The astonishing find came amid Greater Manchester Police dawn raids in Royton, Oldham.
It is believed the container is part of a large-scale operation manufacturing millions of pounds-worth of drugs. Detectives say they're still uncovering the 'full extent' of the enterprise.
Police are still trying to establish if the chemicals were being used to make fake prescription drugs or class A and class B substances.
READ MORE: High-speed police chase which led to deaths of popular friends was 'legitimate', inquest concludes
Officers from GMP's Serious Organised Crime Group carried out searches at four locations. A street in nearby Ashton-under-Lyne was closed as a 'safety precaution'. A property was searched and members of the public were advised to avoid the area.
The shipping container and its contents were examined by officers clad in protective clothing.
The swoops in the early hours of Wednesday morning (February 1) resulted in two men - aged 47 and 49 - being arrested on suspicion of production of drugs and money laundering. They were being quizzed by detectives on Wednesday evening.
Images released by the force show officers in protective gear at the container.
Detective Sergeant Alex Brown said: "Today’s warrants and seizures are another huge step in our crackdown of the illegal drug market, which is heavily linked to exploitation and serious violence. The full extent of the operation is still being uncovered by officers at multiple addresses across Greater Manchester.
"Please don't be alarmed if you see police in protective suits, this is standard procedure to ensure the safety of our officers. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please speak to one of the local officers, they are there to help you.
"As always, we would ask that anyone with information or anyone with concerns to contact us as we work to disrupt serious crime across the region. Intelligence from members of the public continuously helps us with our on-going investigations - no matter how small the information may seem.”
GMP have asked anyone with information to visit www.gmp.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
For more of today's top stories click here
READ NEXT:
- Leaders slam 'terrible idea' after asylum seekers move into Britannia Hotel in Greater Manchester
- Lost shops on once 'lovely' street that became Manchester's 'alcohol alley'
- Nicola Bulley search teams scour 'abandoned' house as desperate hunt for missing mum continues
- Man who fled to Greater Manchester after death threats faces 'forced removal' from UK
- Girl, 4, who died after being mauled by dog in her back garden pictured
