A BARNOLDSWICK man is one of seven people arrested as part of an investigation into the theft of prescription drugs from pharmacies in East Lancashire.

The man, 23, was arrested of suspicion of theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs and money laundering.

A spokesperson Colne and West Craven Police said: "We have arrested five men and two women as part of an investigation into theft of prescription drugs from pharmacies in East Lancashire.

"Our officers executed search warrants in Nelson, Barnoldswick and Blackburn this morning and seized mobile phones, a quantity of Class B and Class C drugs, cash and designer items.

"As a result, we arrested the following and they remain in custody at this time.

• A 32-year-old woman from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 29-year-old man from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 32-year-old woman from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs and money laundering

• A 23-year-old man from Barnoldswick, has been on suspicion of theft by an employee, conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs and money laundering

• A 21-year-old from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 24-year-old from Nelson, has been arrested on suspicion of who was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs

• A 35-year-old from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee and conspiracy to supply Class B and C drugs.

"The investigation relates to the reported theft of prescription drugs from two pharmacies in Pendle and Rossendale totalling £350,000."