EIGHT people were arrested in a police operation to combat drug dealing in Bolton early today.

Police officers swooped on addresses in Deane and Daubhill.

A large haul of stolen goods and a quantity of drugs was seized by the police team. The swoop was part of a crackdown targeting local drug dealers codenamed Operation Bride.

A police spokesman said seven homes, believed to be in Willows Lane, Brandwood Street, Rosamund Street and Blackledge Street, were raided.

The eight arrested men and women, aged 16 to 40, were taken to Bolton Central Police Station.

They were charged with a variety of offences and will appear before Bolton magistrates at a later date.

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