A SERIES of police raids in Hitchin have seen 10 arrests for drugs-related offences this morning (Thursday).

Police officers gathered at Hitchin Police Station at dawn before simultaneously targeting seven addresses in the town at around 7am.

Under Operation Scorpion, officers made 10 arrests at seven properties in Mulberry Way, Girdle Road, Johnson Place, Walsworth Road, Sanfoine Close, Bingen Road and Redhill Road – all in Hitchin.

At one property, 100 grams of uncut cocaine – worth around £6,000 – was seized, while at another address a bag of cannabis was discovered in a neighbouring garden.

Inspector Tim Johnson, leading Operation Scorpion, spoke to the Comet after the arrests.

He said: “We’ve executed a series of warrants this morning resulting so far in 10 arrests, with a substantial quantity of drugs, both class A and B, and cash seized.

“I’m delighted with the results so far and I’m hoping that we can put the suspects before the court and send them to prison.

“I’d like to reassure the community of Hitchin that although there are still drug dealers out there that do affect residents’ quality of life, we already have had 1000 fewer crimes taking place in North Herts in the last year.

“It’s thanks to the public who have given us information and intelligence that has enabled us to do this operation.”

The 10 arrested are:

• A 26-year-old man from Hitchin

• A 45-year-old woman from Hitchin

• A 25-year-old man from Hitchin

• An 18-year-old man from Hitchin

• A 29-year-old woman from Hitchin

• A 17-year-old boy from Hitchin

• A 41-year-old man from Letchworth

• A 31-year-old woman from Hitchin

• A 25-year-old man from Hitchin

• An 18-year-old woman from Hitchin

A man and woman have been charged with possessing drugs following those raids.