A MAJOR drugs ring has been smashed after raids on a number of address in Darwen, police said today.

Officers uncovered a professional cannabis growing factory in the attic of a house in Pot House Lane as well as seizing other drugs from addresses acorss the town including ecstasy, heroin and cocaine.

More than 50 officers raided 21 addresses in Darwen after a six month operation to gather evidence against a number of people.

Sixteen people have been arrested in connection with a variety of offences including possession with intent to supply.

The house at Pot House Lane was raided on February 6 and officers also managed to seize 120 plants of the potent skunk weed and a bin bag full of what police said is the product of a previous crop.

Two men were arrested and have been released on police bail while inquiries continue.

Two days later detectives searched a house on Reservoir Street and recovered 25 wraps of heroin.

Robert Eaves, 28, and 37-year-old Martin Howes have been charged with possession with intent to supply and are in custody.

Yesterday, officers searched 11 addresses and found cannabis, 25 to 30 rocks of cocaine, ecstasy, about 100 deals of heroin and 40 small bags of an as yet unidentified white powder, which is being tested at a forensics laboratory.

Five people were arrested and are being questioned at stations in Darwen, Blackburn, Accrington and Preston.

This morning, another seven houses were raided and six more people were arrested after four large bags of what are believed ecstasy tablets were found.

As well as the drugs, three cars which are believed to be stolen and a van-load of electrical equipment have been recovered.

Detective Superintendent Colin Maloney of Lancashire's Major Crime Unit said the operation had been a massive success.

"We believe we have dismantled an organised and extensive criminal network," said Det Supt Maloney. "As a result of the investigation we believe we have enough evidence to put to a court that one of the men we have arrested was the leader of the group." Police, aware that a number of addicts will have their supply cut, have been in contact with doctors in Darwen.

"If anyone has been dependent on the drugs they were getting from these people then we ask them to contact their doctors confidentially," said Det Supt Maloney.

Inspector Tracie O'Gara of Darwen Police said that although a major ring had been smashed, the fight against controlled drugs in Darwen was far from over.

"Just because a major ring has gone from Darwen does not mean that we are resting on our laurels.

"We will be continuing to pursue any drug dealers that operate in Darwen and they will be treated as severely as the ones we have just arrested," she said.

Police are continuing to question those arrested yesterday and this morning at stations throughout East Lancashire for the rest of the day.