THREE men arrested yesterday on suspicion of laundering the profits of drug dealing have been released on police bail until June 16.

Another man, thought to be from the Bolton area, was also arrested yesterday in connection with the investigation and has also been bailed.

Twenty-four officers from Blackburn Police's targeted crime team swooped on homes yesterday morning. The three men, one of whom is aged 77, were detained at Greenbank police station and were being questioned by detectives into yesterday evening.

The raids followed a discovery in Swallow Close, Blackburn, in January of one-and-a-half kilos of heroin worth £120,000 - thought to be the town's biggest ever drugs seizure.

Police said that during the search of Swallow Close they found documents which prompted them to launch the money laundering investigation. Examinations were also being conducted at the two addresses.

Ayub Khansia, 45, of Tintern Crescent, Blackburn, and Siraz Valli, 30 of Swallow Drive, Blackburn were charged in January with possession with intent to supply in connection with the heroin find. they will appear before Preston Crown Court on June 23.