A "SUBSTANTIAL" amount of cash and Class A drugs were seized after 80 police officers raided houses in five towns.

Operation Tobago saw police swoop on eight homes in Blackburn, Darwen, Great Harwood, Accrington and Oswaldtwistle early yesterday following tip-offs.

Nine people were arrested during the raids and were last night being questioned by police.

Specialist units were drafted in from other areas to support the operation.

Neighbourhood policing teams were also on hand to talk to neighbours and reassure people about the operation.

Houses were raided in Scotland Bank Terrace, Gloucester Road; St Margarets Way, Glenluce Crescent and River Street in Blackburn; Stonecross Close, Church; Church Street, Great Harwood and Garden Street, Oswaldtwistle.

A resident in one of the Blackburn streets, who asked not to be named, said: "It has been a nightmare living around here. We are really thankful that action has been taken and that these people are to get their comeuppance so we can start to live our lives in peace."

Det Insp Pete Simm said: "Class A drug dealing will not be tolerated and the raids demonstrate our commitment to bring drug dealers to justice.

"I hope these raids send a reassuring message to the community.

"We need the community to join us in this fight."

Police also swooped on houses in Chorley yesterday as part of Operation Nimrod.

Warrants were executed at six addresses in the Moor Road, Lakeland Gardens, Beaconsfield Terrace, Limbrick Road and Bannister Street.