A COUNCILLOR arrested in a large-scale probe into a suspected drugs ring has spoken of his relief after police decided that no further action should be taken against him.

Brierfield town councillor Mazer Iqbal, 36, said the news marked the end of weeks of anguish for him, and his family.

Coun Iqbal was arrested in July as part of Operation Hornbeam - an investigation into the alleged smuggling, production and supply of drugs to East Lancashire.

Coun Iqbal, of Halifax Road, Brierfield, was arrested when raids were carried out in pubs in Accrington, and a shop in Oswaldtwistle.

He was released on police bail pending further inquiries. However, earlier this week police contacted him to say no further action would be taken.

The married father, who has two daughters, said: "Relief is not the word. The last couple of months have been a real nightmare for me and my family. It's been a very stressful time.

"I want people to know that my name has been cleared and that I have done nothing wrong."

A police spokesman said: "A 36-year-old man from Halifax Road, Brierfield, arrested as part of an investigation concerning a conspiracy to import controlled drugs into the UK, will not be charged with any offences.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in this offence following the execution of a police search warrant at a community shop in Oswaldtwistle on July 17 by officers from Lancashire's Serious and Organised Crime Unit and Eastern Division. However, following liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service, a decision was made not to charge him with any offences."