Arrests as machetes seized in drugs op

POLICE have arrested six people as part of an investigation into child criminal exploitation and drugs supply in Accrington.

Machetes, cannabis and mobile phones have been seized and it is suspected they are linked to an organised crime group.

Raids were carried out at properties over two days as part of Operation Stark.

Six people have now been charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. The offences are alleged to have been carried out between November 2018 and May 2019.

Sixteen people had previously been charged as part of the operation.

Martin Kennedy, from East Division, said: “Organised crime, including the supply of drugs, blights our communities and puts ordinary law-abiding people at risk.

“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.”

Michael Hall, 32, of Clement Street, Accrington; Junaid

Khan, 20, of Ormerod Street, Accrington; Marban Hussain, 53, of Jannat Close,

Accrington, and Iftikhar Asghar, of Lincoln Street, Wakefield, all appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on July 28 charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Charles Wigglesworth, 38, of Spencer Street, Accrington; and Bradley Ridsdale, 21, of Weardale Avenue, Blyth in Cumbria, have been charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine. They were due to appear before Blackburn magistrates on July 29.