FOUR men have been charged following a series of raids that took place yesterday connected to drugs offences and money laundering in East Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The following have been charged and are remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates tomorrow:

Darren Bowling, 47, of Colne Road, Barrowford has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug (cocaine), conspiracy to supply a class B drug (cannabis) between, two charges of concealment of criminal property and possession of criminal property.

Stephen Barton, 42 , of Brandy House Brow, Blackburn has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug (cocaine), transferring criminal property, possession of criminal property and the cultivation of cannabis.

Paul Bell, 48, Massie Street, Cheadle has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug (cocaine) and conspiracy to supply a class B drug (cannabis).

Robert Wright, 49, Bankfield Road, Sale has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug (cocaine) and possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine).

The charges follow raids that were carried out by officers from Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) at a number of addresses and business premises in Barrowford, Blackburn, Burnley, Hapton, Cheadle and Sale.