FIVE Bolton men have appeared in the dock accused of drug dealing.

They were among 10 people arrested and charged following dawn raids on a series of properties in Bolton, Bury and Preston.

The raids, part of Operation Challenger, were carried out by Lancashire Police in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday last week.

All 10 suspects appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court the following day and had their cases sent automatically for trial at Preston Crown Court due to the serious nature of the alleged offences.

Mohammed Taymure Khan, 32, of Hilden Street, The Haulgh, faces four counts of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and was remanded back in custody.

Naheem Aslam, 33, of Crescent Road, Burnden, faces four counts of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and was remanded back in custody.

Junaed Alam, 26, of Gibraltar Street, Deane, faces one count of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was granted conditional bail.

Mohammed Umar Frank Patel, 30, of Mornington Road, Halliwell, faces one count of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was granted conditional bail.

Ricky Parmar, 33, of Rowton Street, Hall I’ Th’ Wood, faces two counts of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and was remanded back in custody.

Their co-defendants are four men from Preston and Dhiren Lad, 33, of Stanley Road, Bury, who faces four counts of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and was remanded back in custody.