Neighbourhood officers from Greater Manchester Police recovered a small quantity of suspected Class A drugs concealed in vegetation beside the Leigh canal towpath after hearing voices during a foot patrol on Monday.
What officers found and how it was recovered
Police say they observed several people known locally as drug users walking towards the canal before hearing voices coming from a tucked-away area beside the towpath. On checking the concealed spot, officers located three people sitting in dense undergrowth and called for additional units.
Although searches of those detained under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act did not reveal any substances on their persons, a further search of the surrounding vegetation uncovered a tightly wrapped package. That package contained:
- 12 wraps of suspected heroin
- 6 wraps of suspected crack cocaine
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Suspected heroin wraps | 12 |
| Suspected crack cocaine wraps | 6 |
Police assessed the combined street value of the package at roughly £200–£300. The seized substances will be destroyed, the force confirmed, but no arrests were made after officers said they could not establish beyond reasonable doubt who had been in possession of the package.
"While no one was prosecuted on this occasion, the seizure has removed a quantity of harmful drugs from our streets and disrupted those involved in the local drugs trade."
Local impact and officers' message
The force emphasised the importance of keeping the canal towpath safe for the many residents who use it for recreation. In its update, officers reminded people that the towpath is a popular route for anglers, walkers, runners, cyclists and families, and urged the community not to tolerate drug dealing or other criminal behaviour in public spaces.
For residents this incident is a reminder that police patrols continue along waterways and public rights of way, and that action can include targeted searches and follow-up operations when suspicious activity is spotted.
Anyone with information about drug activity along the canal or elsewhere in the area is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police or use the force’s online reporting channels. If you witness a crime in progress you should call 999; for non-urgent information call 101 and quote the local neighbourhood update linked to the Leigh canal patrols.
The discovery will be recorded as a local drugs seizure and forms part of ongoing efforts by neighbourhood policing teams to reduce supply and protect public spaces used daily by families and leisure users.
