POLICE have searched more than a dozen houses on a Bromsgrove estate as part of a multi-agency operation to tackle drug related crime.

The warrants were executed in Charford as part of Operation Jericho.

The police, Bromsgrove District Council, Bromsgrove Community Safety Partnership, Multi Agency Resource Centre and Bromsgrove District Housing Trust are all involved in the project.

Flyers informing residents that police have executed warrants in their area have been delivered to 700 households.

Inspector Mandy Bott said: "Jericho is going really well. We have welcomed the support we have had from the local neighbourhood and residents are pleased we are trying to make their community a safer, cleaner place.

She added: "We want people to be aware this is not a police led operation. We have done the enforcement side but there is also the caring side. The Multi Agency Resource Centre now has a team offering specialist help for people who are addicted to drugs."

So far the operation has led to 12 people being charged with possession of Class A and B drugs.

Two people have been arrested and bailed on suspicion of supplying Class A and B drugs and another on suspicion of possession.

Eight people have been detained and taken to a police station for drug searches and one person has been charged for 13 vehicle crimes which have been directly related to drugs.

Stolen property has been recovered and four other associated offences have been dealt with.