EARLY morning swoops have been carried out by police in Kidderminster's Broadwaters area in a bid to disrupt drug dealing on the estate.

Twelve search warrants were executed in the first couple of weeks of this month, leading to the seizure of thousands of pounds of drugs, including skunk, crack cocaine, heroin and ecstasy tablets. Stolen property was also recovered by officers and 12 people arrested.

The operation was prompted by concerns raised during the first Broadwaters PACT - Partners and Communities Together - meeting, held on Thursday, February 2.

Sgt Kevin Lane, of Kidderminster police, said: "The police are going to continue to target drugs and crime associated with drugs in this area, with many more operations planned."

He added: "The concerns raised by the community through PACT meetings have helped us to target criminals and we now need more residents to come forward and support us in our task, so we can work together to deal with this problem."

He went on: "Drugs blight people's lives and those that peddle such misery need to realise they cannot sleep easy in their beds. Tonight could be the night we come knocking on their door."