PICTURES AND VIDEO: Eight arrested in Cannock dawn drug raids

They were detained as part of Staffordshire Police's Operation Nemesis, which takes suspected drug dealers off the streets.

Ten warrants were executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act at addresses across the Cannock Chase Local Policing Team area, including at properties in Cheslyn Hay, Rugeley and Norton Canes. One address in Bloxwich was also raided.

The raids have resulted in eight arrests – seven men and one female aged between 15 and 51 – on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. They have all been taken into custody for questioning.

Searches of the targeted properties are now being carried out by scenes of crime officers and specialist search dogs.

The officers who conducted the raids - with support from colleagues at the National Crime Agency - were briefed at police headquarters at 5.30am this morning before travelling in convoy to the Cannock area to execute the warrants.

The operation involved over 100 officers and staff and followed months of detailed planning and investigation by specialist teams from Staffordshire Police.

Colleagues from the Central Motorway Police Group and partner agencies responsible for housing, social services and environmental health were also involved.

Local neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs have been deployed in the areas where the raids took place to inform and reassure residents. They will also be delivering leaflets explaining today's police activity.

Officers are now in the process of carrying out detailed searches of properties with a view to seizing any suspected drugs and associated paraphernalia.

This operation is the result of a detailed investigation into the supply of illegal drugs, and associated crime, across the Cannock area.

A police spokesman said: "Drug crime is having a detrimental impact on the Cannock community. It has resulted in an increase in burglaries as offenders steal to fund their habit.

"With a number of suspected drug dealers arrested, we're disrupting the drugs supply and are using this opportunity to work with our partners to provide support to drug users.

"Working with the local authority and drug and alcohol action team, we can help those dependent on drugs to make positive changes and live healthy and crime-free lives.

"Operation Nemesis is our commitment to tackling drug dealers and bringing them to justice. Today marks yet another success and further demonstrates that drug dealing and drugs misuse will not be tolerated in Staffordshire."

There is a range of services to offer support and rehabilitation for people who are dependent on drugs or alcohol.

For details call One Recovery in Cannock on 01543 468667.

Anyone with any information on drug supply or use in their area should contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.