THE first people arrested under police crackdown on drugs, code-named Operation Nimrod have appeared in court.

Blackburn magistrates heard that undercover officers began infiltrating the world of illicit drugs in June, gathering evidence ahead of a series of dawn raids this week.

In at least one case the officers passed themselves off as down and outs to get the confidence of one addict who funded his £10 a day habit by begging on the street.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said undercover officers purchased crack cocaine and heroin and gathered evidence of their dealings using audio and video equipment. As a result of their activities in June and July it is anticipated that well over 30 people will be arrested.

Usman Huissain, 18, of Kempton Rise, Blackburn, was the first person to enter guilty pleas to charges brought as a result of Operation Nimrod. He admitted four offences of supplying heroin and was committed in custody for sentence at Preston Crown Court.

Stephen Gregson, 21, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to four charges of supplying heroin and one of being concerned in the supply of heroin. He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence. He was also sent to the Crown Court on charges of attempting to escape from lawful custody and assaulting a Group 4 court custody officer.

Mark Mellish, 24, of De Lacy House, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three offences of supplying heroin and one of supplying crack cocaine and was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence. Kevin Preston, defending, said a basis of plea, agreed with the prosecution, was that Mellish is a heroin addict with a £10 a day habit which he funds by begging. He was approached by police officers who portrayed themselves as similar down and outs and made contact with dealers on their behalf. He then acted as go-between.

Francis Devine, 31, of Chester Close, Blackburn, was bailed until September 26 on charges of supplying cocaine and heroin; John Mulchrone, 23, of Lynwood Road, Blackburn, was remanded in custody on two charges of supplying heroin.

Sherkhan Sajawal, 27, of Kempton Rise, Blackburn, was remanded in custody on six charges of supplying crack cocaine and one of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply. Imran Azam, 21 of no fixed address, was remanded in custody on eight charges of supplying crack cocaine and two of supplying heroin.

Emran Khan Sajawal, 22, of Kempton Rise, Blackburn, was remanded in custody on three charges of supplying heroin, three of supplying crack cocaine and four of being concerned in the supply of cocaine; Susan Mack, 26, of Audley Range, Blackburn, was bailed on two charges of supplying crack cocaine and two of offering to supply crack cocaine.

Two 17-year-old youths were bailed to the youth court. One faces four charges of supplying crack cocaine, one of supplying heroin and one of being concerned in the supply of heroin.

The other faced one charge of being concerned in the supply of heroin.