THREE people have been arrested following raids across East Lancashire as part of a major operation.

This morning (December 9) officers executed seven warrants at addresses in Blackburn, Darwen, Colne and Nelson as part of Operation Vanquish.

Officers raided Carlinghurst Road and Beryl Avenue in Blackburn, Norris Street, Darwen, Earl Street, Colne, and Reedyford Road, Harvey Street and Hallam Road in Nelson.

Following the discovery of a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine in Blackburn, a 39-year-old man was arrested.

A 57-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of importation of drugs after a warrant was executed at a second Blackburn property, where a large quantity of suspected prescription drugs were recovered.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing following the Colne raid.

All three suspects are currently in custody.

Other items seized during searches included £7,000 in cash, an amount of suspected cannabis and two machetes.

Today’s warrants followed previous raids in Blackpool, Lancaster, Morecambe and Preston earlier this week targeting those suspected of being involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

Chief superintendent Mark Winstanley, of Lancashire Police said: "Operation Vanquish is focused solely on disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups and taking positive action with those who break the law, and cause anti-social behaviour in our communities.

"Intelligence from the public and their ongoing support has helped us to make today's activity possible, so thank you.

"We will continue to listen to you, as we work collaboratively to keep East Lancashire a safe place to be.

"Residents in East Lancashire are at the heart of everything we do. Rest assured that Op Vanquish is just one tool in the box to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in our division, and will be on top of our daily business to keep you safe."

The operation is ongoing.