A MAN from Leigh has been arrested in connection with drugs offences after police carried out dawn raids across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

The operation saw a large-scale methamphetamine laboratory at an address in Clitheroe, Lancashire uncovered by police during as an early morning warrant was executed by GMP’s Wigan Challenger.

The meth lab is currently being dismantled and approximately 60kg methamphetamine was seized alongside significant amounts of chemicals believed used in the production of methamphetamine, police say.

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The raids were supported by specialists’ officers, Lancashire Police, the Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), National Crime Agency, and Greater Manchester and Lancashire fire services.

A 77-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and permitting premises to be used to produce class b drugs.

This warrant is part of five coordinated across the Wigan borough and Lancashire at 4.30am as part of efforts to tackle serious organised crime.

At properties in The borough, three men were arrested - aged 62 and 52 from Wigan and a 43-year-old from Leigh.

They are being questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to produce class b drugs and money laundering.

Cash and other items suspected of being proceeds of crime were seized from the addresses.

In a statement, 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 methamphetamine 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.”