POLICE today revealed they had uncovered a "drugs factory" and dangerous weapons at the home of an Accrington man.

The discovery is the latest in a sweeping police crackdown on drug dealing and organised crime across Accrington, Clayton-le-Moors and Church.

In recent weeks, a number of suspected dealers were arrested, hundreds of cannabis plants have been found and drug-growing equipment seized in a series of raids.

In the latest action a 23-year-old man was arrested while driving a car in Ormerod Street, in Accrington town centre early on Friday. A search of his vehicle uncovered an illegal CS gas canister, two lock knives and a bayonet knife.

And a subsequent search of the man's home address, in Dale Street, Accrington, revealed two 7ft cannabis plants, several smaller plants and drug-growing equipment.

The seized items have been sent to the forensic science department for analysis.

The man has been charged with disqualified driving, driving offences, possessing offensive weapons, possession of a prohibited weapon (CS gas) and cultivating cannabis.

PS Clare Holbrook of Accrington police said: " I am extremely pleased that another cultivation outfit has been exposed.

"We have given a commitment to deal expeditiously with illegal drug cultivation and sales in Accrington. And the public can see we are actively out there, doing just that.

"I feel that dealers in Accrington are soon going to be on the back foot.

"I want them to wonder if their door is the next on our list."

She said area commander Insp Julian Platt was very keen that the police efforts would continue. And any drug dealer in Accrington should know they may well get a visit very soon.

A large cannabis cultivation factory was exposed in Exchange Street, Accrington, on February 6. More than 150 cannabis plants were found.

And the property had fans and ultra-violet lights to help the plants flourish.

Police also responded to complaints from residents by executing a warrant at a Whalley Road address on February 15 and arresting an occupant in possession of illegal drugs.

Two people were arrested in Canal Street, Church, on February 7, in connection with a large quantity of cannabis resin.

Awarrant was executed to search a property at William Street, Clayton-le-Moors, on February 21, where illegal ecstasy tablets and cannabis resin were seized from a man.

Action followed complaints to the police, and a man had also been arrested.