Officers seize drugs in raid

Police raided a house in north Shropshire today, seizing a quantity of drugs and arresting one man.

A number of cannabis plants and what was thought to be cannabis were seized during the raid in Ellesmere.

A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug-related offences after a team of about eight officers forced entry to the property in St John's Hill at about 7am.

A search was carried out and a "small number" of what were believed to be cannabis plants, plus an amount of suspected cannabis, was recovered.

The man was arrested on suspicion of possession and cultivation of cannabis.

Detective Constable Chris Thomas, Shropshire Division drug liaison officer, said that police would continue working to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs in the county.

"Our long-running Operation Protect campaign targets those suspected of being involved in drug, burglary, theft and handling stolen goods offences," he said.

"Warrants such as the one executed this morning frequently take place, but can often go unseen by the public at large.

"We are keen to ensure people are fully aware of the actions we take to deal with such crimes and our continued campaign to target offenders.

"When Operation Protect was first launched in April we emphasised it would be an ongoing campaign."

People living near homes where warrants have been executed receive leaflets through their doors to explain the police activity in their neighbourhood and appeal for future support.

Police patrols in Wem were increased as part of Operation Protect.

The initiative has also seen early morning raids carried out in Shrewsbury to clamp down on burglaries, thefts and drug crime.

Officers in Wem said they had carried out extra targeted area patrols in order to catch offenders, and launched a scheme to help people keep themselves and their properties safe.

Officers also met with Wem residents at a police safety surgery and at community social events.

They are also due to visit homes in the town to offer further advice as to how to protect against burglary and other crime.

By Deborah Collins