EIGHT people have been arrested following drugs raids yesterday as part of a major investigation into drugs supply across East Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Properties in East Street, Hapton, Walsmley Street, Rishton and Emerald Street, Blackburn, were raided by officers, as well as a number of addresses in Barnsley.

Around 100 police officers took part in the co-ordinated raids with officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit leading the operation with the support of divisional officers and staff as well as operational support unit staff.

Detective Inspector Graham Gallagher, from Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said the raids were part of an investigation in an organised crime gang supplying drugs in East Lancashire.

“We have been targeting members of an alleged organised crime group in relation to suspected drug supply within local communities and beyond,” he said.

“The arrests are the result of an intelligence led operation.

“And today’s action forms part of a wider strategy to combat serious and organised crime in Lancashire.”

A 27-year-old man from Accrington was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.

And a 28-year-old woman from Burnley has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Six other men aged between 33 and 46, from Barnsley, Stockport and Preston, were also arrested on suspicion of money laundering, possession of class A and B drugs or intent to supply.