TEN more people have been arrested in Somerset as a county wide crackdown on Class A drugs continues.

Five warrants were executed at properties in Yeovil by officers who then searched each premises with specialist drugs dogs.

Another 15 people, who were also wanted as part of the investigation, were taken into custody in London by the Metropolitan Police Service on behalf of the Avon and Somerset force.

The 11-month long investigation has already seen 23 people from across the county jailed for a total of more than 65 years, while seven others have been given suspended prison terms of up to two years and one woman a two year community order.

During today’s warrants police also seized a significant amount of cash and crack cocaine.

Senior investigating officer DCI Ray Hulin said: “The action carried out today further demonstrates our continued commitment to ridding the streets of Somerset of dangerous drugs.

“We have already put a number of local dealers behind bars for a significant period of time and today we have arrested several more people who have looked to exploit those who are vulnerable to sell drugs such as heroin and cocaine in Yeovil.

“Drugs have a hugely negative impact on communities and we won’t tolerate anyone involved in their distribution.”

He added: “The success of our investigation has partly been down to the help you have given us. “We will always look thoroughly at all information provided to us about potential criminality and it often proves vital in tackling it, so please keep it coming.

“If you see something suspicious, report it. A steady flow of visitors to a particular property at all times of the day and night, or people waiting in cars outside certain houses exchanging small packets or cash or even visitors bringing items such as T.V's or bikes and leaving empty handed – these can be signs of drug crime.

“If it is safe to do so, make a note of the time, date and place; get vehicle registrations and the make, model and colour; descriptions of people, what they were doing, direction they travelling in and how many times you have seen them – is it always at the same time?

“It might seem insignificant to you, but for us it could be the missing piece of a very big puzzle. By working together we are much more effective.”