Programme Challenger is Greater Manchester’s multi-agency response to serious and organised crime.

Our dedicated officers are embedded in every district where they work across local communities to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, exploitation, firearms offences, and money laundering.

Here are some recent examples of the work our dedicated teams have been doing to tackle serious and organised crime and safeguard vulnerable people in our communities across Greater Manchester.

Trafford Challenger arrest man on roof in drugs warrant

On Wednesday 1 July 2026 officers from Trafford Challenger and the Neighbourhood Tasking Team executed a warrant at an address on Victoria Parade, Urmston.

As officers gained forced entry into the property, a man tried to escape through a bedroom window onto the roof of shops whilst carrying a large holdall. He dropped the bag which was found to contain a large amount of cannabis bush. Officers immediately arrested the man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

Following searches of the address, officer recovered further amounts of cannabis bush, cannabis vapes, cannabis gummies, packaging and weighing scales.

Detective Sergeant Samuel Barr from GMP’s Trafford Challenger unit, said: “Our officers are constantly working to tackle drug supply and safeguard our communities from the harms that come hand in hand with organised crime and drugs.

“We rely on information from the public. We take all intelligence provided to us seriously and encourage members of the public to continue to reach out to ourselves or Crimestoppers if they have information.”

Bolton Challenger arrest four in series of drugs strikes

On Thursday 13 August, officers from Bolton Challenger, the district Neighbourhood Crime Team (NCT), the District Intelligence Unit (DIU) and our Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), alongside Lancashire Police, executed six warrants in Greater Manchester and Lancashire as part of an operation tackling class A and B drug distribution across Bolton and Fleetwood.

Warrants took place at Glenbrook Gardens, Cala Gren Holiday Park, Seymour Road, Crossdale Road, Brinks Lane Yard and The Castle Pub.

Following forced entry three men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of various drug offences.

A mobile phone, believed to be the drug line, along with thirteen ounces of cocaine, eight kilogrammes of cannabis and four kilogrammes of amphetamine, a supply amount of Ketamine and MDMA, as well as several valuable items were recovered.

Detective Constable Penni Thomas from GMP’s Bolton Challenger unit, said: “This day of coordinated strikes follows weeks of intelligence gathering as part of an ongoing investigation by the team. I am pleased this activity has disrupted a suspected drugs line and prevented these drugs from reaching the streets.

“Our officers work tirelessly around the clock to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups and protect our communities from the related harms.”

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, who leads GMP’s response to Serious and Organised Crime, said: “Our officers work around the clock to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups and safeguard vulnerable people in our communities from being exploited by organised criminals.

“Partnership work is key to tackle the often complex and deep-rooted issues that come with serious, organised crime in our communities.

“Our message is clear: if you choose to engage in drug supply, we will find you, dismantle your network, and bring you to justice. We will continue to relentlessly target those who exploit vulnerable people for financial gain and ensure they face prison time.”

The dynamic collaborative approach of Challenger means it is more than police ‘arresting their way’ out of organised crime, with proactive action from GMP not being limited to warrants, arrests, and the recovery of drugs, weapons, and cash. We work with around 40 partner agencies such as schools, youth centres, housing providers, charities, and other local and national services to effectively prevent crime and protect communities.

These are just some recent examples of how Challenger officers across Greater Manchester have been staying a step ahead of organised crime.

Members of the public are encouraged to share intelligence, which remains vital in disrupting criminal networks. GMP and partner agencies are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people who are victims of crime or at risk of committing offences.

If you are concerned about criminal activity in your area, contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, via 0800 555 111.