Nine arrests after ‘drug dealer’ raids in Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Nine arrests after ‘drug dealer’ raids in Blackburn

9:30am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

NINE people have been arrested after a series of co-ordinated raids on drug dealers in Blackburn.

Over 60 officers swooped on the target addresses, clamping down on those people suspected of dealing cannabis yesterday morning.

The operation began around 7am when detectives, operational support units, police dogs and neighbourhood policing teams executed warrants at addresses in Audley Range, St James Road, Elm Street, Wensley Road, East Park Road, Langham Road, Accrington Road and Cherry Street.

Warrants were also executed at addresses in Town Walk in Blackburn and Halliwell Road in Bolton on Monday evening. The action came after a 12-month investigation into the alleged supply of cannabis in the Blackburn area.

Eight men aged between 19 and 26 and a 32-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cannabis, a class B drug.

Community beat managers and police community support officers will now hand out leaflets in the area to reassure local residents about the action taken.

Detective Inspector Mark Winstanley said: “We know the devastating impact drugs can have on a community and I hope that today’s action reassures local residents.

“We will take a firm stand against those believed to be involved.

“Information from the public has greatly assisted this operation and is vital in our efforts to further remove drugs from our communities.”

Anyone with information or concerns about drugs in their community can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.