TWO dangerous weapons and drugs worth thousands of pounds have been seized as part of a high profile operation to disrupt crime in Hyndburn.

Police seized a three-foot crescent-shaped multi-bladed weapon and a two-foot machete from a house on Wellington Court.

They raided four addresses across the borough and discovered amphetamine with a street value of £5,500 from one on Foxfields Close, Oswaldtwistle. A 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the find and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

A 34-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of drug offences after a haul of 32 bags of cannabis were seized from a property on Hopwood Street, Accrington.

Property believed to have been stolen from a recent burglary in Nelson Street, Accrington, was also recovered and two women aged in their early 20s were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

In addition, five of the division’s most prolific burglars were visited and warned about their behaviour.

The action was part of Operation Julius, a campaign to reduce burglary across Lancashire, and Operation Titus, targeting drug dealers. Last month, a surge in police activity across East Lancashire resulted in almost 70 arrests and the seizure of over £82,000 of property.

Inspector Gary Crowe, who led the operation, said: "The weapons seized could be potentially dangerous in the wrong hands and today’s operation was designed to disrupt the activities of people suspected of committing crime.

"It should demonstrate our commitment to protecting our local communities. We have sent a very clear message that the police will take firm action against anyone suspected of committing crime in East Lancashire.

"People who are involved in the use and supply of drugs are often responsible for committing other crimes to fund their habit, such as burglary."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.