THE ringleader of a drugs gang has appeared in court — after a police raid uncovered nearly £150,000 of cocaine.

Asif Khan and Ziaullah Khan both deny conspiracy to supply nearly 1kg of cocaine after police discovered 150 wraps — with a street value of £143,955 — at a house Eastbank Street, Astley Bridge.

The pair had been under surveillance alongside Adil Khan, who has already been convicted for the possession of class A drugs with the intent to supply, when officers raided the home in August 2013.

Adil Khan was arrested on the street close to the Eastbank Street house after officers had seen him leave the premises.

Bolton Crown Court yesterday heard that Asif Khan, aged 34, of Rosamond Street, Great Lever, was the ringleader of the group — while Ziaullah Khan, aged 40, of Westborne Avenue, Great Lever, had a financial interest in the cocaine.

Asif Khan also denies arranging a cannabis deal worth £42,500 which was stopped by police in Ardwick, Manchester, in July 2013.

He was allegedly aided by Zulfiqar Khan, aged 30, of Lorne Street, Farnworth, Sajad Ahmed, aged 43, of Russell Street, Bolton, Adbul Ali, aged 24, of Rishton Lane, Great Lever and Abbas Shafiq, aged 24, of Clifford Street, Rochdale, who all deny conspiring to supply cannabis.

The trial continues.