A 27-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with a drug supply conspiracy going back to 2011.

Blackburn magistrates heard 15 people had already been dealt with as part of the conspiracy and the main player had received a 14-year jail sentence.

The court heard Zahid Chand, 27, of Revidge Road, Blackburn, had left the country after some arrests had been made but had contacted the police and arranged to return to the UK and surrender to custody.

Chand indicated a a guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to supply cocaine. He was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will appear on September 11.