Seven people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the theft of prescription drugs from pharmacies in East Lancashire.

Officers executed search warrants in Blackburn, Nelson and Barnoldswick in the early hours of this morning (November 25) and seized mobile phones, quantities of class B and class C drugs, cash, and designer items.

The Lancashire Telegraph joined officers from Lancashire Constabulary at the warrant in Nelson to see the operation first-hand.

As a result of the warrant, the following have been arrested and remain in custody:

  • A 32-year-old woman from Nelson - arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply class B and C drugs
  • A 29-year-old man from Nelson - arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs
  • A 32-year-old woman from Nelson - 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 - arrested suspicion of theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs and money laundering
  • A 21-year-old man from Nelson - arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs
  • A 24-year-old man from Nelson - arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs
  • A 35-year-old man from Blackburn - 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.”