POLICE have arrested six men following a series of drugs raids connected to drugs offences and money laundering in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

This morning, Officers from Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) executed early morning search warrants at a number of addresses in Barrowford, Blackburn, Burnley, Hapton and Sale.

Raids were carried at both residential and business premises at Clough Springs in Barrowford, Brandy House Brow in Blackburn, Bankfield Road, Sale and Portway in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Warrants were also executed yesterday afternoon on Colne Road in Barrowford , Sandygate and Ormerod Street in Burnley, Castle Clough in Hapton, Dane Road in Sale and Massie Street in Cheadle where two men were arrested.

Those arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine, amphetamine and money laundering are: A 47-year-old man from Barrowford.

A 48-year-old man from Cheadle.

A 42-year-old man from Blackburn.

A 49-year-old man from Sale.

Two men, aged 36 and 39 were also produced from HMP Preston on suspicion of the same offences.

Detective Inspector Martin Kane, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “This morning’s raids are part of our on-going commitment to tackling drugs.

“The activities of drug dealers can have such a negative effect on our communities. They can ruin lives, fuel other crime, and can instil fear in our neighbourhoods and we are determined to tackle that.

“Our aim is to take is to target those involved in the supply and selling of drugs throughout Lancashire and beyond.

“We need the public to continue to work with us to help us tackle drug crime by informing us of any suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information about suspicious activity in their community should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.