Forensic work underway at huge drug lab as police issue update on arrests

Four men who were arrested after a huge drug lab was discovered have been released on bail, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.

The “large-scale” lab was discovered by police at an address in Clitheroe, Lancashire, during a planned raid on Thursday morning (June 13). Police said the lab is believed to be “one of the biggest cooking operations in the UK”.

Officers seized 60kg of drugs – believed to be amphetamines. They also found a “significant amount” of chemicals.

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A 77-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and allowing premises to be used for the manufacture of class B drugs. Three other men were also arrested in Wigan as part of the investigation as warrants were executed in the neighborhood.

The men – a 62-year-old and a 52-year-old from Wigan and a 43-year-old from Leigh – were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to manufacture class B drugs and money laundering. In an update today (Saturday), a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said all four suspects have been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Forensic work continues at the laboratory site. Over the weekend and into next week, experts will work to safely remove the chemicals and dismantle the lab.

Yesterday, Detective Inspector Patrick Wood, from GMP Wigan Challenger Organized Crime Group, said: “As part of our large-scale drugs and money laundering investigation, we seized a large quantity of amphetamines and are dismantling a laboratory; it is believed to be one of the biggest cooking operations police have uncovered in the UK.

“There is no doubt that these drugs would have been sold in communities fueling the violence, exploitation and squalor that we have prevented today through proactive policing. We work closely and collaboratively with a variety of partners in our pursuit of tackling organized crime groups and preventing harm.

“Our work at the site continues as we gather evidence and work with emergency service colleagues, agencies and experts to assess the chemicals found, dismantle and safely dispose of them.”

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