Suspect in custody following discovery of cash and gold in Wigan

A 32-year-old man is in custody after police found cash and gold in a house in Wigan.

Following an investigation led by the Economic and Cyber Crime Unit (ECCU), approximately £12,000 in cash, several high‑end watches, a quantity of suspected Class A drugs and a collection of silver coins and gold bars have been seized.

In the early hours of yesterday morning (27 January), officers from the ECCU, supported by colleagues from Wigan Challenger and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), executed two warrants in Leigh as part of an investigation into money laundering and the supply of Class A drugs.

During the search, officers recovered a lock box in the kitchen containing a snap bag of white powder that is being examined.

In the same drawer, a silver pouch holding several silver coins and gold bars was located.

Officers also discovered four bundles of cash estimated to total around £12,000, along with three high‑end Rolex watches, in a bedroom.

A manarrested at the scene is being interviewed by officers.

Detective Sergeant Robert O’Brien, Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, said: "Today’s warrants are the result of a thorough investigation into an individual we believe to be involved in money laundering and the supply of Class A drugs across Wigan and further afield.

“The items seized, including significant amounts of cash, valuable luxury items and suspected controlled substances, demonstrate the scale of the criminal activity at hand.

“Our teams, supported by partners across the region, remain committed to disrupting organised crime wherever it operates and are committed to relentlessly pursue those who cause harm in our communities.”

Enquiries remain ongoing.