A huge stash of ammunition and five guns - including an assault rifle - have been seized by officers investigating organised crime gangs.
The haul was recovered by detectives from Operation Owando investigating the importation of imitation and deactivated weapons which are then being turned into lethal weapons.
What is believed to be a deactivated assault rifle and ammunition were recovered from an address in Newton Heath on Tuesday.
Acting on intelligence officers from GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Group then carried out a linked raid on a property in Audenshaw and found four guns, component parts, silencers, and ammunition.
Two men and two women have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.
In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: "The warrants form part of an investigation into deactivated and imitation firearms which are later converted and sold."
A 38-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were both arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and released under investigation pending further enquiries.
A 20-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and remains in custody.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested at Manchester Airport last night (17 December 2020) on suspicion of firearms offences. He remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Joseph Harrop, of GMP's Serious Crime division, said: "We are absolutely committed to tackling serious and organised crime across Greater Manchester.
"A lot of the work going on by our detectives in the Serious Crime division can't always be disclosed but seizures and warrants such as these are just one of the many steps we are taking to make the streets of Greater Manchester a safer place.
"These firearms could have led to devastating consequences and the work doesn't stop here.
"Information from members of the public - no matter how big or small - can prove vital to our investigations and I would ask the public to come forward either by calling 101, or speaking to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
