PEOPLE arrested as part of a major anti-drug operation have appeared before magistrates for the second time.

Some of those charged following Operation Nimrod are now awaiting sentence for their crimes.

Nine people were originally brought before Burnley magistrates, charged with the supply of drugs and related offences after two undercover officers posed as down-and-outs in Nelson.

Anthony Fallon, 41, was remanded in custody until February 13 for a pre-sentence report after admitting being concerned in supplying heroin, last October 28.

The defendant, of Cleveland Street, Colne, was told by the justices all options would be open.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said the undercover officers, calling themselves Ian and Clare, were in a cafe and spoke to Fallon and another man, who gave them a telephone number. A short time later Ian went went into the Victory shopping centre with the defendant, met two men and the officer was supplied with a £10 wrap of heroin.

Mr Potter said the offence was not one which would ordinarily be dealt with at the lower court.

Mark Williams, defending, said Fallon was not a drug dealer, had not been charged with supplying drugs and had no previous convictions for supplying.

Fallon had been quite surprised to find himself facing a charge which could carry up to five years in jail.

Partners Adrian Cassidy, 34, and Lesley Anne Freeston, 41, both of Oxford Road, Nelson, were remanded in custody for sentence at Preston Crown Court.

Cassidy pleaded guilty to offering to supply heroin and three counts of supplying the drug

Freeston admitted being concerned in offering to supply heroin and two supply allegations.

Mr Potter told the court Freeston asked the officers if they wanted some gear.

On October 8, Ian and Clare were in a cafe when they were approached by the defendants and Cassidy gave the male officer a £10 wrap.

The day after the officers were in Nelson when Cassidy asked if they wanted 'sorting.' Ian and Clare later went to a takeaway, the couple drove up and Freeston supplied a £10 wrap. Cassidy went on to supply more heroin to Ian.

Mr Potter said when Cassidy was arrested earlier this month, he had £534 in cash. Freeston was also arrested. The pair are likely to face 'substantial' sentences.

Duncan Nightingale, defending the couple, said they were drug users but not suppliers. The officers told them they had come from Bradford and were desperate for drugs.

Manan Younis, 24, of Charles Street, Nelson, is charged with supplying heroin and possessing heroin with intent to supply.

Mr Potter alleged the defendant had had £2,000-worth of the drugs hidden between his buttocks.

His case will be dealt with at Preston Crown Court and he was remanded in custody until February 24.

Nasir Shraft, 22, of Pine Street, Nelson, was committed to Preston Crown Court in custody to await sentence. His solicitor Geoff Ireland did not apply for bail. He admitted offering to supply crack cocaine, supplying heroin, offering to supply the drug and attempting to supply an unspecified Class A controlled drug.