A series of drug raids in Ipswich targeting those suspected of involvement in the supply of class A drugs have led to the arrests of 15 people.

Six teams of officers from Suffolk police carried out 11 warrants at addresses in the Ipswich area from 7am this morning including at properties in Ranelagh Road, Downside Close, Rope Walk, Samuel Court and St Helens Street.

The raids are an attempt to crack down on those involved in trafficking drugs into Ipswich which has been linked to a number of serious violent offences in the town.

By 3.30pm today, nine arrests had been made for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

In each raid a full search was made of the address leading to the discovery of quantities of class A drugs and paraphernalia.

Ipswich Star: Police officers raid a house in Ipswich as part of a day of action targeting those suspected of supplying class A drugs. Picture: KAREN WILLIEPolice officers raid a house in Ipswich as part of a day of action targeting those suspected of supplying class A drugs. Picture: KAREN WILLIE (Image: KAREN WILLIE)

Further arrests were made for drug driving, being concerned with the supply of class A drugs and possession of controlled drugs.

A woman was also arrested on a fail-to-appear warrant.

Those arrested, both men and women, range in ages from 20 to 46.

Detective Superintendent Steve Mattin, who led today’s raids, said: “This operation has been all about targeting those who are involved in trafficking drugs into the Ipswich area and the supply of drugs within the town.

Ipswich Star: Officers arrested 15 people after carrying out 11 warrants in Ipswich. Picture: KAREN WILLIEOfficers arrested 15 people after carrying out 11 warrants in Ipswich. Picture: KAREN WILLIE (Image: KAREN WILLIE)

“Today we have made 15 arrests and those detained have been brought into custody where they will be interviewed and dealt with accordingly.

“Over the past few months we have become increasingly aware drugs have been linked to serious violent offences and crime such as robberies, sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, and have seen that this is putting vulnerable people as well as innocent members of the community at risk of harm.

“This criminality has also put high demand onto emergency services and partner agencies.

“Today’s activity is just one of the steps we are taking to deal with those suspected of involvement in such crime, and we will continue to work with partners to tackle drugs related offences.”

Ipswich Star: Eleven warrants were executed at properties in Ipswich during today's day of action. Picture: KAREN WILLIEEleven warrants were executed at properties in Ipswich during today's day of action. Picture: KAREN WILLIE (Image: KAREN WILLIE)

Suffolk Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, who joined the teams on the searches, said: “The warrants carried out today are part of our continuing work to deal with the misery caused by drugs.

“It is important that we target those involved in the supply chain but we also work closely with partner agencies, charities and other organisations who try to deal with the harm caused, not only to those who use drugs but to their families and the wider community.

“Too often when we have had serious crimes in Ipswich they have had a direct link to those involved in supplying drugs and this action today is one of the things we are doing to disrupt this criminal activity.

“We are committed to putting people before the courts where offences are committed and continue to use a range of tactics to target anti-social behaviour, including through our work on Operation Woven, which has already seen well over 100 arrests made since March.

Ipswich Star: A number of items were seized in the raids including a quantity of class A drugs and paraphernalia. Picture: KAREN WILLIEA number of items were seized in the raids including a quantity of class A drugs and paraphernalia. Picture: KAREN WILLIE (Image: KAREN WILLIE)

“I’d like to thank all of those involved in the work to date.”

Ipswich Star: Officers from Suffolk police carry out a drug raid in Ipswich. Picture: KAREN WILLIEOfficers from Suffolk police carry out a drug raid in Ipswich. Picture: KAREN WILLIE (Image: KAREN WILLIE)