FOUR people, including three teenagers, have appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with conspiracy to supply drugs.

Rachel Ottley, prosecuting, said the arrests were part of a large scale police operation code named Thunder.

She said other people were being interviewed and others sought in connection with the operation which she described as county lines organised crime.

She said the main men were exploiting juveniles and young people.

Aqeeb Ali, 26, of Rock Street, Haslingden, and Brandon Wilson, 18, of Higher Antley Street, Accrington, were sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to appear on January 4 charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

The juveniles, both aged 16 and from Accrington, were remanded on bail to the same date.