Operation AVRO leads to 26 arrests and drug seizures

Operation AVRO returned on Thursday, September 17, with officers carrying out warrants, traffic checks, and business visits.

The Bolton News has obtained exclusive figures as part of the 124 vehicles that were stopped during the operation.

Among them were 12 seatbelt offences, seven number plate offences, three s165 vehicle seizures, and two mobile phone offences.

PCSO Paul Clarke (Image: NQ)

Officers also found two suspected ghost plates, four vehicles with tinted windows, and issues with tyres, brake lights, and number plates.

Five vehicles were given immediate prohibitions by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency because of tyre issues.

There were also 43 taxi licensing checks, with no issues recorded, while officers dealt with offences including no insurance, no driving licence, and failing to follow a no right turn.

The wider operation saw 14 warrants carried out at residential properties and industrial units, including in Farnworth, Breightmet, and Little Lever.

GMP said Class A, B, and C drugs were seized, alongside 22 cannabis plants, more than 1,200 nitrous oxide canisters, illicit tobacco, 17 vehicles, a machete, cash, and luxury items.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Mike Jennings Wharton said: “What a way to kick off my brand new role as your Neighbourhood Chief Inspector.

Neighbourhood CI Mike Jennings-Wharton (Image: NQ)

“The results from this operation have been outstanding and are testament to the hard work, determination, and fantastic work ethic of our officers and partners. I have big ambitions for neighbourhood policing in Bolton.”

Officers also used Live Facial Recognition in Bolton town centre, generating five alerts and leading to three arrests within its first hour.

The technology assisted with arrests linked to offences including failing to appear at court, harassment, and drug supply.

GMP worked with Bolton Council, Trading Standards, safeguarding teams, and environmental officers during visits to businesses, seizing thousands of illegal vapes and illicit tobacco products.

(Image: NQ)

Bolton District Commander Helen Critchley said: “Days like Operation AVRO demonstrate what we can achieve when our officers, partners, and communities work together.”

A significant focus during the operation was the search for missing 13-year-old Lillia. Ms Critchley thanked the community for their support in the investigation.

MP Phil Brickell attended the operation, emphasizing the importance of reporting illegal activities. He stated, “I won’t tolerate criminality in our town centres.”

GMP said the operation focused on drug supply, dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour, and neighbourhood crime, with ongoing community engagement.