DETECTIVES have been given an extra 36 hours to question five men suspected of running one of the North-west's biggest drug rings.

The men, who are all from Little Lever, were arrested two days ago after heroin and other drugs worth an estimated £20 million were seized in Dover.

Customs officers swooped on a lorry as it came out of the Channel Tunnel and at the same time, police raided a number of Bolton homes.

Police chiefs believe one of the men arrested is the ringleader of a smuggling gang they have been tracking since October.

Det Supt David Brown of Greater Manchester Police said the man was "known to live beyond his means".

Three of the suspected smugglers, aged 43, 24 and 22, were taken into custody in Dover and a further two men, aged 33 and 30, were arrested in Bolton.

Residents in Little Lever today spoke of their shock at learning of the massive drugs haul which was headed for the streets of the town.

One said: "I am sure drugs are available in Little Lever but I would not say they are any more available here than anywhere else in Bolton."

Another, who has lived in Little Lever for the past 20 years, said: "I was amazed when I heard about the drugs seizure but I am not aware of any major drug dealing here."

Det Supt Brown added: "The five men who were arrested as a result of Operation Dispatch are to be held for a further 36 hours after officers obtained warrants of detention last night.

"They are still being questioned today at a police station in Greater Manchester."