FORTY people were arrested and a large quantity of heroin seized in a crackdown on drugs in Horwich.

Police chiefs say the operation, in the first three months of the year, was a significant success in their efforts to reduce the availability of drugs on the streets.

A total of 26 people were charged and have appeared in court on drugs offences.

Seven received cautions and the remainder are on bail pending the results of forensic tests.

Inspector Peter Holden of Horwich Police revealed that during the operation, from the start of the year until the end of March, a drugs factory was also discovered in Rawlinson Street.

Insp Holden said the operation had produced a good result and the availability of drugs on the streets had been reduced. But he stressed there will always be others to take their place if the demand is there. "Reducing the demand is the ultimate objective and that is why there is a need to educate. We can only go so far," said Inspector Holden.

He also stressed the need for co-operation and information from the public.

Insp Holden said the work to combat the drugs epidemic in Horwich will be continued by a new plain clothes drugs unit now being set up at Astley Bridge.

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