A CANNABIS farm concealed in a wardrobe was uncovered by police during in a series of drugs raids.

Officers discovered around 40 plants in a canvas wardrobe in the master bedroom when they swooped on the house in Bradshaw Street West, Accrington.

The property was one of seven targeted by police yesterday morning as part of Operation Nimrod - Lancashire Constabulary's long-term campaign to get rid of Class A drugs dealing from the county's streets.

Seven people were arrested in the early morning raids in Bradshaw Street West, Accrington, Cranbrook Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, Lonsdale Street, Accrington, Queen Street, Clayton-le-Moors, Ranger Street, Accrington, Ribblesdale Avenue, Accrington, and Rosebank, Clayton-le-Moors.

Specialist police officers including operational support units, CID, drug detection dogs and neighbourhood policing teams were part of the operation. The warrants were issued after Class A drugs were supplied to undercover police officers.

A 26-year-old man of Bradshaw Street West was arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine.

He was arrested by officers on Wednesday evening following a domestic incident at another address and was yesterday arrested on the drugs offences.

A 23-year-old man from Lonsdale Avenue, an 18-year-old youth in Queen Street, a 19-year-old in Rosebank, an 18-year-old in Ranger Street, a 17-year-old from Oakbank Avenue, Accrington, and a 29-year-old man from Ribblesdale Avenue were also detained.

Inspector Dave Mangan said: "Yesterday's warrants have been carried out following concerns from the public and I hope it sends a strong message that police will take robust action against anyone suspected of dealing in Class A drugs.

"We have been targeting drug dealing specifically in Accrington town centre and I want everyone to feel reassured that the police will not tolerate drug dealing and we will continue to crack down on those who do."

"Make no mistake, if you are engaged in the use or supply of illegal drugs you will be targeted and sooner or later you will be caught and may receive a conviction and possibly a prison sentence."