TWO men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after a series of early-morning police raids in Cumbria and Manchester.

Officers from Lancashire Police worked with Greater Manchester Police and Cumbria Police to execute search warrants at five addresses at around 6am this morning.

Four addresses were in Manchester, while a fifth was searched in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Around £5,000 in cash and three vehicles were seized by officers.

A 41-year-old man, a 54-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman - all from Manchester - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and taking prohibited articles into a prison.

All remain in police custody where they are being questioned by detectives.

The arrests come after police seized drugs and mobile phones at HMP Garth in September last year.

Detective Sergeant Nick Hills, from Chorley CID, said: “We are committed to tackling the supply and use of drugs across Lancashire and further afield.

“We work closely with colleagues from other forces as well as the prison service to combat drug supply and to take action against anyone we suspect to be involved with them.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about drugs to tell us so that we can continue to take action.”

Information about drugs can be reported to the police on 101 or to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.