A man was arrested and drugs were seized as police officers swooped on three properties in Shrewsbury during the morning operation today.

More than a dozen officers took part in the raids after residents in the Castlefields area raised concerns.

Police forced entry to three properties in Severn Street at about 8am and executed search warrants.

One man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of the production of controlled drugs and possession of controlled drugs.

He was taken to Shrewsbury Police Station, where he was due to be interviewed today.

Plants believed to be cannabis, controlled drugs believed to be cannabis and an amount of what is believed to be a Class A drug were seized from the addresses along with suspected drug paraphernalia.

Detective Inspector Gavin Kinrade, who led the operation, said up to 18 officers took part in it which he added should send a clear message that drug-related crime would not be tolerated in Shropshire.

“There has been a lot of concern in the area with regards to suspected drug dealing and anti-social behaviour and we have acted on that information,” he said.

“I would urge anybody who suspects there is drug dealing or other offences happening in their area to contact the police so that we can take the appropriate action.

“These warrants, although coinciding with National Tackling Drugs Week, are a continuation of the ongoing work of Operation Protect, which is concerned with the disruption of those involved in supplying drugs and associated crime such as house burglaries.”