A SERIES of raids have been carried out in Hereford as part of an investigation into drug dealing in the city.

About 50 officers carried out raids in the early hours of Monday morning in the South Wye area of Hereford with search warrants, resulting in the arrest of eight people on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Two other people at one of the properties were also arrested on unrelated matters.

In total nine addresses were searched and drug-related property was recovered, along with other evidence of suspected crime.

The aim of Operation Badger is to disrupt the supply of Class A drugs throughout the county, namely crack cocaine and heroin. The arrests mark the culmination of seven months of investigation by a dedicated team of officers from the Hereford CID proactive investigation unit.

Officers will now be continuing the operation to bring together the evidence and prepare files for the Crown Prosecution Service.

Hereford CID Detective Inspector Andy Hughes said: "The operation has proved a success with seven arrests for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and a further two arrests for unrelated matters.

"The greater success of Operation Badger will be the longer-term reduction of drug supply in the area, which will in turn reduce associated crime and improve the quality of life for people in the county as a whole."

Following the raids, local police officers and community support officers have been visiting homes and businesses in the area, speaking to local people and providing valuable reassurance.

Information packs have been distributed explaining the operation, backed up by a questionnaire.

Householders are being asked a number of questions aimed at assisting future policing activity in the area, as well as being encouraged to play an active part in reporting those responsible for crime, drug-related activity and anti-social behaviour.

Anyone with information about drug-related crime can call the police on 08457 444888 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.