DRUG raids have been carried out across properties in Somerset, leading to the arrest of 14 people.

It's the latest in an on-going investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in Somerset, which has already seen 53 arrested.

Warrants were this morning executed at 11 properties in Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare, Chard and 13 men and one women have been taken into custody.

Today’s action follows two days of activity in the Weston-super-Mare area last week in which a total of 53 people, aged between 15 and 65, were arrested.

Thirty-one people have since been charged with a combined total of 90 counts of supplying Class A drugs.

With the exception of a 15-year-old boy, who was bailed to appear at North Somerset Youth Court, all those charged have appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

Twenty-nine were remanded in custody pending an appearance at Bristol Crown Court on 18 August while one woman was released on bail.

This morning seven warrants were carried out under the Police and Criminal Evident Act and four warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Police also carried out welfare visits with the help of Avon Fire and Rescue Service while closure orders have also been completed at two properties in Glastonbury.

Specialist drug dogs were again used to search the properties raided this morning and we have seized a quantity of Class A drugs in addition to cash, drugs paraphernalia and a number of weapons.

Those taken into custody today have been arrested for offences including supplying Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article.

Chief Inspector Mark Edgington, area commander for Somerset East, said: “Today’s warrants mark another stage in our on-going investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in Somerset.

“It follows nine months of excellent police work and sends a very clear message that we in Avon and Somerset Constabulary are in no way a soft touch and we will not tolerate drug dealing in our area.

“No matter where people live they should not have to put up with dealers selling drugs openly in their communities and we are committed to tackling them head on and addressing all the associated problems they bring.

“We will always listen to the concerns of our communities and ask anyone who has any suspicions or worries about drugs to get in touch.

“We also want to hear from anyone who is worried about friends, neighbours or relatives they feel might be vulnerable to drug dealers due to dependency or debt and about anyone suspected to be housing drug dealers or allowing the supply of drugs from their premises.

“I would like to remind landlords that they must take responsibility for their property and tenants. If you suspect that there is criminality or anti-social behaviour taking place at your property you need to take positive action in relation to your tenants and contact the police, or you could face having your property subject to a closure order.

“Anyone with information can contact us via the 24 hour police enquiry number by 101 or via our website. Alternatively they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”