A 77-YEAR-OLD man is among four suspects charged following raids that took place as part of a crackdown on counterfeit prescription drugs in the region.

Officers from GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG) carried out warrants at addresses in Salford and Wigan on Tuesday.

Two ‘labs’ containing specialist equipment believed to be used in making counterfeit prescription pills were discovered.

Police confirmed John Eric Spiby, 77, of Lower Green Lane, Astley, has been charged with:

  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B
  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of class C,
  • conspiracy to supply controlled drug of Class C
  • conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life / enable another to do so
  • conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiring to acquire / use / possess criminal property.

Police have also charged

Callum Dorrian, 31, Guilford Road, Eccles, has been charged with:

  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B
  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of class C
  • conspiracy to supply controlled drug of Class C
  • conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life / enable another to do so, conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life
  • conspire to acquire / use / possess criminal property.

Lee Ryan Drury, 42, of Everton Street, Swinton, has been charged with:

  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B
  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of class C
  • conspiracy to supply controlled drug of Class C
  • conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life/enable another to do so, conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life
  • conspire to acquire/use/possess criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon in private place.

 

John Colin Spiby, 33, of Britannia Street, Salford, has been charged with:

  • conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B, conspiracy to produce a
  • controlled drug of class C, conspiracy to supply
  • controlled drug of Class C
  • conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life / enable another to do so
  • conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspire to acquire / use / possess criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon in private place.

They have all been remanded and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow  (May 19).