EIGHT people have been arrested in a series of dawn raids by police investigating a £300 million drug conspiracy.

Cash and drugs were seized when the homes were raided in Bolton, Prestwich, Salford and Altrincham in the early hours of this morning.

Eight men have been arrested on suspicion of drugs trafficking offences and three women on suspicion of possessing class B drugs.

The raids were carried out by Titan, the north west’s regional crime unit.

Det Supt Jason Hudson, Titan’s head of operations, said: “The co-ordinated arrests this morning come as a result of an intensive and painstaking 12-month-long investigation by my team.

“Our actions have delivered a massive blow against the organised criminals operating in the Manchester and north west region, and we continue to send a strong message to others involved in this type of crime that we will act on information we receive and we will be knocking on your door.

“We remain committed to tackling those involved in drugs offences by dismantling their hierarchies and putting those involved before the courts.

“I would urge decent, law-abiding members of the community who have information about criminality where they live to share that information with their local police force or Crimestoppers so that positive action can be taken.”

Police have not revealed the addresses where the raids took place or how many people were arrested at each of the addresses.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.