DAWN raids took place this morning (Wednesday) across Comet country as Hertfordshire Constabulary made several arrests in a drug crackdown operation.

Around 50 police officers all wearing stab vests set out in teams to storm properties simultaneously at around 6.20am today, in a planned operation that was the culmination of more than five months of gathering evidence.

Five addresses in Letchworth GC - Glebe Road, Middlesfields, Avocet, Bursland and Campers Avenue - were targeted during ‘Operation Absolve’, as well as Eisenburg Close in Baldock, Willian Road, Hitchin, Hopton Road in Stevenage, and Hitchin Road, Stotfold. Another address in Edgware was also raided.

Following the raids, 12 men have been arrested on suspicion of a variety of drug offences and handling stolen property.

The men, who age from 18 to 40, are all currently being held in custody.

Drugs were seized at a number of addresses, and substances believed to include heroin, cocaine and cannabis will now be sent off for analysis.

The large scale operation used two dog units during the raids, as well as Enforcer battering rams to force entry when necessary.

Tactical team inspector Nick Caveney said: “Today has been really successful and the culmination of a number of months of covert police investigations.”

Letchworth, Baldock and Royston neighbourhood inspector Jason Thorne added: “By taking these actions, we are working to significantly reduce the overall harm caused by drugs in communities.

“Part of our operation is to let drug users know that there is help out there if they want it.

“As a result, following these arrests, we are sending text messages out to people who may be drug users to let them know how to access that help and support.”