POLICE today revealed that more than £250,000 worth of drugs and property were seized in the biggest operation of its kind in Burnley.

More than 30 people were due in court today after officers launched a second swoop on homes in the south west area of the town.

Today, officers were out to arrest suspects who escaped the net yesterday, as well as following up information gathered as a result of day one of Operation Canberra.

Nine more arrests were made this morning as the operation continued in the area bounded by Manchester Road, Accrington Road and Rossendale Road which includes Stoops, Hargher Clough, Barclay Hills and Griffin estates.

Police confirmed that 33 people arrested yesterday were due before Burnley magistrates, nine charged with burglary and 24 with drug-related crimes.

More than 300 officers from across Lancashire took part in the raids which followed months of undercover work. Police also acted on information from the public about suspected criminal activity, including burglary and drug-related offences, in South West Burnley.

Officers have started the massive job of identifying the property and the drugs, thought to be mainly cannabis and heroin.

Following day one of the operation, police, anxious to avoid any return of the estate troubles of previous years, contacted councillors and representatives of many groups in the area to explain what was happening.

Leaflets are also being distributed to reassure residents about the raids.

Burnley Police Supt Mike Griffin, has issued a three-point promise to criminals in the Division which also includes Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

He said: "My message to the criminal minority is: 1, it will be unsafe to commit serious crime in the Pennine Police Division; 2, they will be regularly involved in arrests and deprivation and 3, we will do everything possible to disrupt their criminal activity.''

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