Seven arrested in drugs swoop

This was the scene as police swooped in on two flats in Walsall during early morning drugs raids today.

The flats in Birmingham Road were among nine properties targeted across the borough by more than 60 officers armed with search warrants.

The raids uncovered two cannabis factories in Halford Crescent, Coalpool, and Dorchester Road, New Invention, Willenhall, and Class A drugs were found at another address.

Properties in Wolverhampton Road, Bentley; Wolverhampton Street, Darlaston; Drayton Street, Alumwell; Eyland Grove off Lower Rushall Street, Walsall town centre; and Carl Street, Leamore, were also targeted.

A total of seven arrests were made - five on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, one for being wanted on suspicion of assault and one for drug offences.

Today's raids were part of Operation Eliminate, cracking down on street level drug dealing, and police have been gathering intelligence from shoppers, traders and the public since last autumn.

Ch Insp Sally Holmes, from Walsall Police who led the operation, said: "Our communities have asked us to tackle street level dealing we have done that.

"Today sees a number of arrests - all for individuals who we believe are selling drugs on Walsall streets.

"The majority of people in Walsall are working hard to lead law abiding, safe and happy lives. There are a small minority who have let drugs cause problems.

"We have listened to those who were fed up with the dealing, and we have taken action."

Partner agencies involved in the operation include Walsall Council, NHS Walsall, Walsall Housing Group, West Midlands Fire Service, Walsall Voluntary Action and Walsall College.

Clive Wright, director of Walsall Partnership, said: "We are working together with our communities to tackle problems more effectively. We will not tolerate criminal activity and this operation is targeted to stop drugs being distributed within the borough."