THREE people have appeared in court following a police operation which uncovered drugs worth up to £20 million.

Officers seized 30 kilos of heroin and 30 kilos of amphetamine, with an estimated street value of between £12 million and £20 million, during raids on January 15.

Five people — four men and one woman — were arrested in connection with the operation.

Malcolm Tidyman, aged 33, of Inglewood Close, Bury; David Green, aged 44, of Derby Court, Bury; and Phillip Randels, aged 48, of Brandearth Hey, Stockbridge, Liverpool, were all charged with conspiracy to supply heroin. They appeared at Bury Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody.

The next hearing will be held on February 7 at Bolton Crown Court.

A 50-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man have been released on bail pending further inquiries.