FOUR more people been charged in connection with an undercover investigation into organised crime in East Lancashire.

On Saturday, the Lancashire Telegraph reported Amar Ahmed Hussain, 28, of Higher Antley Street, Accrington, Jacob Stanley Fisher, 21, of James Avenue, Great Harwood, Thomas Ian Edwards, 23, of Dickens Road, Coppull, Chorley, Naomi Winter, 29, of Thurston, Skelmersdale, Ella Smith, 20, of Dickens Road, Chorley and a 17-year-old boy from Blackpool, were all charged with conspiring to supply heroin and crack cocaine between November 2018 and May 2019.

The youth was also charged with possession of a stun gun.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said much of the evidence against the accused had been gathered by an undercover police officer who had posed as someone who sold fake designer clothing to get close to the drug dealers.

They were all sent to Burnley Crown Court where they will appear on December 12. Smith was remanded on bail and the other five were remanded in custody until that date.

Police have now confirmed four more people have been charged as part of the same heroin and crack cocaine supply conspiracy.

Aleem Mahmood, 27 of Richmond Hill Street, Accrington, Bilal Yousaf, 25 of Garbett Street, Accrington, a17-year-old boy from Accrington; and a 15-year-old boy from Accrington, have all been released on bail. The men are due to appear before magistrates on November 28, while the youths will appear November 25.

A 45-year-old man from Accrington, who was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, has been released without charge.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands the raids are part of a police investigation into Class A drug supply and child criminal exploitation.

Det Sgt Martin Kennedy said: “We remain committed to taking drugs off our streets and pursing those suspected to be involved in illegal activity.

“I would urge our communities to work with us on identifying those responsible for this type of activity so that we can continue to keep our communities safe.

“Intelligence from members of the public is key in operations like this and I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist, to get in touch.”

Anyone who suspects drugs being dealt in their area can contact police on 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.