'XL bully-type' dogs and drugs seized in raid

Four people have been arrested after five dogs, including two illegal "XL bully type dogs", and drugs were seized from a house after police tracked a moped using a drone.

Officers raided a property in Openshaw, Manchester, at about 16:00 BST on Tuesday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A duffel bag containing "significant quantities" of suspected Class A drugs was also seized, along with ammunition, a knuckle duster and seven suspected stolen vehicles, including mopeds and quad bikes, the force said.

Three men and a woman, aged between 19 and 45, have been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of offensive weapons and handling stolen goods.

They all remain in custody for questioning.

GMP said that two XL bully-type dogs and three pit bull-type dogs at the property had been taken for further assessment.

The ownership of American XL bully dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and, since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own them without an exemption certificate.

The strict rules on ownership were introduced across the UK following a number of fatal attacks.

Pit bull terriers are also banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Insp Joe Barron said "thousands of pounds worth of drugs" had been recovered.

He said officers were "always looking to proactively tackle issues across the Manchester area" and urged anyone with information about drug supply in their area or any suspicions regarding stolen bikes or similar to contact them.

GMP said the raid was carried out after officers tracked a moped to the address using a drone.

One quad bike was recovered, along with a Surron, three off-road style scrambler bikes, a moped and a car.

GMP said they were all suspected of being stolen and work would now take place "with a view to returning them to their rightful owners where possible".

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