Man, 22, suspected of running 'Wizzard' drugs line used to 'exploit young people' arrested

A man believed by police to be responsible for the running of the 'Wizard' drugs line has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences.

The 22-year-old, from Wigan, has been taken into custody for questioning after being detained, also on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering.

Greater Manchester Police have revealed it is believed he is responsible for running the 'Wizzard' drug line, which the force said 'exploits and coerces young, vulnerable children to sell drugs'.

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The arrest forms part of an ongoing operation in Wigan dubbed Operation Afield, aimed at tackling child criminal exploitation. Since October last year, cops have arrested ten individuals that they believe to be responsible for supplying drugs in the area and exploiting young people.

The Complex Safeguarding Hub is dedicated to supporting children thought to be at risk of exploitation or being currently exploited in Wigan. The team works with partners and agencies to ensure that children identified as being exploited receive support and safeguarding.

Detective Sergeant Louise Dunne from Wigan’s Complex Safeguarding Hub said: “The arrest this morning is part of a wider investigation into a criminal network operating across the Borough that we strongly believe are involved in the exploitation of children.

“A lot of the work we do relies on intelligence and proactively working with partners and communities to look for warning signs and evidence of exploitation, rather than relying on young people who may be too scared to make a report.

“At the core of everything we do, is building trusted relationship with the children and young people,