Seven people arrested in prescription drugs investigation

Lancashire Police have arrested five men and two women as part of an investigation into theft of prescription drugs from pharmacies in East Lancashire.

Officers executed search warrants in Nelson, Barnoldswick and Blackburn this morning (25th November) and seized mobile phones, a quantity of Class B and Class C drugs, cash and designer items.

As a result, the following were arrested and they remain in custody at this time.

• A 32-year-old woman from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 29-year-old man from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 32-year-old woman from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs and money laundering

• A 23-year-old man from Barnoldswick, has been on suspicion of theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs and money laundering

• A 21-year-old from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 24-year-old from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of who was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 35-year-old from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

The investigation relates to the reported theft of prescription drugs from two pharmacies in Pendle and Rossendale totalling £350,000.

DS Josh Boswell, of Burnley CID, said: “I welcome these arrests which are the result of the tenacity of the investigation team and mark a significant point in what remains a complex investigation.” Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.