A DRUGS “factory” in Radcliffe raided by police could have produced up to £5 million worth of heroin, a court heard.

Seven people are on trial, each accused of playing their part in running the “lucrative business” at an industrial site in Outwood.

And those behind the operation were helped by a trusted police officer, jurors at Minshull Street Crown Court were told.

Prosecutor Neil Fryman told the jury that former PC Philip Berry has already pleaded guilty to his part in the conspiracy.

Police raided a unit on the Outwood Industrial Estate, Outwood Road, in September, 2008, and found mixing equipment and material used in heroin production.

They also discovered amphetamine worth more than £13,000 and other drug equipment.

The seven defendants face a variety of charges in relation to the operation.

Gary Knox, aged 34, of Seathwaite Road, Farnworth, denies two counts of conspiracy to supply drugs, two counts of perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.

The other six defendants — Philip Meiring, aged 33, of Dickenson Street, Bolton; Gail Hadfield, age 27, of Stanley Road, Heaton; Francis Hunt, aged 41, of Spindlewood Road, Ince; Joanne Greaves, aged 37, of Whittle Grove, Bolton; Jamie Stewart, aged 31, of Tiverton Walk, Bolton, and Anthony Grainger, aged 33, of Chipping Road, Bury — all deny conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

The case continues.