A MAN has been acquitted of charges of being involved with an alleged crack cocaine and cannabis dealership at a Rossendale hand car wash.

Judge Robert Altham threw out the case against Majid Hussain, 31, of Wheatholme Street, Rawtenstall, due to a lack of evidence.

Mr Hussain was accused of fraud, regarding a claim that he falsely worked at Holcombe Brook Pizzeria on a £19,500 salary for nearly two years, and also with money laundering.

Mr Hussain was one of six men to have been charged with involvement with the alleged drug dealing ring at the Big Shine car wash premises off Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.

Judge Altham told Burnley Crown Court: “There is not enough evidence to deliver a verdict other than that of not guilty.”

After being acquitted, Mr Hussain said: “I’m so happy. My life has been on hold for two years while this has been going on. I’m over the moon.”

Abid Hussain, 31, of Wheatholme Street, Rawtenstall, is accused of supplying crack cocaine and cannabis.

He has also been charged with money laundering.

Imran Mahmood, 26, of Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall, Tanveer Hussain, 30, of Lingwood Avenue, Bradford, Asam Iltaf, 35, of Cleaver Street, Burnley, and Robert Millar, 32, of Broadway, Haslingden, have also each been charged with supplying crack cocaine and cannabis from the premises.

A date for the sentencing of Abid Hussain and Tanveer Hussain will be set tomorrow at Burnley Crown Court.