Salfordians have been warned about the risks of purchasing cannabis online as Greater Manchester Police support a nationwide crackdown on people importing the Class B drug from abroad.
People who purchase cannabis online can face importation offences, jail time, employment restrictions and travel bans as the substance is often brought into the country from overseas.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of purchasing cannabis online, hoping to deter people from shipping the illegal substance into the country.
The ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ scheme aims to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of purchasing cannabis over the internet.
The cannabis clampdown is supported by the Home Office, Border Force and Royal Mail, along with officers from GMP’s Challenger team, which is Greater Manchester’s partnership response to serious and organised crime.
GMP say Salford is the biggest source of cannabis supply and demand across Greater Manchester.
In the past 12 months, officers have seized more than 2,800 packets of cannabis en route to Greater Manchester, weighing in at over 2,700 kilograms.
GMP said: “Purchasing cannabis from abroad is a serious importation offence.
“It carries a heavier punishment than possession and can easily be traced.
“Anyone who does so can face penalties – including a prison sentence – as well as serious consequences for their employment, international travel, social housing and education because of having a criminal record.”
As well as being illegal, purchasing cannabis or other drugs via post could put buyers at financial risk and leave them vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, and exploitation by organised crime groups.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, head of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “More than 3,500 crimes were recorded for cannabis fast parcel importations to Greater Manchester over the last 12 months, and approximately 20 per cent of these were destined for Salford.
“When you bring drugs into the country from abroad, you’re committing an importation offence which is more serious and has greater consequences than a standard drug offence, such as possession.
“GMP’s Challenger team has a strong focus on organised crime groups who are bringing drugs into the country by the fast parcel system to supply and sell, often via members of the public who they recruit to participate in the sale of drugs.
“Offenders often try to recruit students and other young or vulnerable people into committing crimes, but you should always say no and report directly to GMP or Crimestoppers.”
Recent law enforcement activity tackling fast parcels in Salford resulted in nine people being arrested.
In November, Matthew Johns from Salford was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to being involved in the importation of cannabis and other drugs.
Kate Green, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Too often, people see buying cannabis online as harmless or low risk, when in reality it’s fuelling organised crime and can have serious, lasting consequences.
“By helping people understand the risks of buying cannabis online, not just criminal penalties, but the impact on jobs, education, housing and ability to travel, we can support safer choices and build stronger, more resilient communities across Greater Manchester.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police directly, on 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.
You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers, via 0800 555 111.
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