Two men arrested in Chorley after police seize cannabis smuggled from USA

The men were arrested late on Saturday evening (September 5) on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Task force officers busted the men after they stopped a car in the town centre at around midnight.

After searching the men and the car, officers found vacuum-sealed packets of cannabis in US packaging. Officers also uncovered packets of a substance believed to be crack cocaine and a wallet stuffed with cash.

According to the packaging, the weed is from California where it has been legal for recreational use since 2016.

In April, a report from the National Crime Agency found that the legalisation of cannabis in many US states and Canada is being exploited by organised crime gangs who are smuggling the class B drug into the UK.

Both men, from Chorley, were arrested, taken into custody and their car seized whilst a full investigation takes place.

A police spokesman said: "Two local males were arrested in Chorley late evening on 05/09/2020 by Task Force officers for the offence of Possession with Intent to Supply Cannabis.

"The cannabis found by officers is believed to be imported from America.

"Along with the cannabis, a large quantity of cash and what is believed to be crack cocaine was also recovered.

"The vehicle used by the duo was also seized as part of the investigation."