Yahoo News Forensic work ongoing at huge drugs lab as police issue update on arrests
Four men who were arrested after a huge drugs lab was uncovered have been released on bail, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.
The 'large-scale' lab was discovered by police at an address in Clitheroe, in Lancashire, during a planned raid on Thursday morning (June 13). Police said the lab was believed to be 'one of largest cooking operations in the UK'.
Officers seized 60kg of drugs - believed to be amphetamines. They also uncovered a 'significant amount' of chemicals.
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A 77-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and permitting premises to be used to produce Class B drugs. Three other men were also arrested in Wigan as part of the probe as warrants were carried out in the borough.
The men - a 62-year-old and 52-year-old from Wigan and a 43-year-old from Leigh - were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce Class B drugs and money laundering. In an update issued today (Saturday), a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said all four suspects had been bailed while the investigation continues.
Forensic work is continuing at the scene of the lab. Over the weekend and into next week, experts will be working to safely remove the chemicals and dismantle the lab.
Yesterday, Detective Inspector Patrick Wood, of GMP's Wigan Challenger Organised Crime Group Team, said: "As part of our widespread investigation into drugs and money laundering, we have seized a large haul of amphetamine and are dismantling a laboratory; believed to be one of largest cooking operations police have uncovered in the UK.
"There is no doubt these drugs would have been sold into communities fuelling violence, exploitation, and misery, which we have prevented today through proactive policing. We work closely and collaboratively with a variety of partners in our pursuit to tackle organised crime groups and prevent harm.
"Our work on the site is continuing as we gather evidence and work with emergency service colleagues, agencies and experts to assess the chemicals found and dismantle and dispose of them safely."
