SIX people have been charged as part of a major on-going investigation into human trafficking and cannabis production.

Police visited a house in Rutland Street, Nelson, with a warrant on Tuesday, October 29, and discovered a large cannabis farm.

They also visited houses in Newport Street, Cumberland Street and Manor Street and Spencer Street in the town, where there was evidence of cannabis production.

Police also searched addresses on Plodder Lane and Peabody Street in Bolton where they found evidence of cannabis production.

A number of Vietnamese nationals have been arrested and either safeguarded or handed to the immigration services.

A further six people have been charged in connection with the investigation – codenamed Whippet.

Mihai Dumitru, 39, Ford Street, Burnley charged with human trafficking and conspiracy to produce cannabis.

He appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on November 1st and was remanded.

Dung Bui, 45, Plodder Lane, Bolton was charged with production of cannabis.

Thuong Ha, 21, Plodder Lane, Bolton was charged with conspiracy to traffick and conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Ha Le, 42, Spencer Street, Burnley was charged with production of cannabis.

Long Le, 36, Spencer Street Burnley was charged with production of cannabis.

Dieu Le, 38, Plodder Lane, Bolton was charged with conspiracy to traffick and conspiracy to produce cannabis.

All of the above, bar Dumitru, appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court today (November 6) and have been remanded.

Detective Sgt Stu Peall, said: "While we have made a number of arrests and charged a number of individuals, this investigation is very much on-going and will now continue.

"I would like to thank the community for their support so far in this fast moving and complex investigation."