Cocaine, motorbikes and gun parts have been seized after a police patrol stopped a suspected drug deal while it was in progress.
They arrested three men after witnessing what they suspected was a class A drugs transaction taking place in Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday night.
The police patrol pulled over a white Volkswagen Golf that arose suspicion alongside a white Mercedes A180 on Brook Street East at around 6.45pm.
A 'stop search' was conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act and officers uncovered a quantity of cash notes and a large amount of loose change in the Golf.
Three men, 21, 25 and 41, were detained at the scene.
Police also found a set of keys which were used to unlock a large container on nearby Portland Street South.
Inside, officers found three motorbikes and a quad bike they suspect to have been 'purchased through criminality'.
The four machines were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Also in the container was a large plastic bag with white powder inside, suspected to be cocaine.
Police also seized firearm parts and ammunition from a handgun.
All three detained men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, money laundering, possession of class B drugs (cannabis) and firearms offences.
The trio remain in custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Alison Whittaker, of GMP's Tameside District, said: "The proactive policing work of two patrolling officers is to thank for this haul.
"We have recovered a significant amount of drugs and seized a number of vehicles as well as recovering parts of a firearm.
"I’m sure the people of Tameside will particularly welcome this and the removal of the quad bike from our streets.
"This operation shows what a useful tool stop and search powers are in tackling serious and organised crime.
"Hauls such as this open up new lines of enquiry, forensic opportunities and can often lead to the disruption and further dismantling of criminal networks."
Anyone with information on drugs supply in Tameside is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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