In the early hours of yesterday, officers from the South Rural Task Force responded to reports of poaching in the Coppull area.
On arrival, officers stopped a vehicle on Bradley Lane, Standish.
Following a search, a number of items, including thermal scopes, hunting lamps, and call whistles were discovered and seized along with the vehicle under the Hunting Act.
Five men, aged between, 18 and 37 from the Wigan area were detained for wildlife offences.
Op Galileo is a national operation to tackle hare coursing and poaching co-ordinated by The National Wildlife Crime Unit.
Waverley Park improvements on track for autumn opening
Man found hare coursing in West Lancashire and Chorley issued with Criminal Behaviour Order
Hundreds of taxis inspected in multi-agency operation across Preston, Chorley and Blackpool
Work set to begin on busy route through South Ribble and Preston
Cottam Parkway station project moves into next phase
27 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized in Preston police crackdown
Legal options kept open over shake-up
Leyland Hotel to close to asylum seekers
