Three men in Ipswich were arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis when police raided a number of properties in Suffolk.

The arrests were made in a day of police action designed to send a “clear message” to criminals that their actions “will not be tolerated” and that they will be caught and punished, Suffolk Constabulary said.

A 21-year-old and a 19-year-old from Ipswich, and a 24-year-old from Saxmundham, were arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis following a warrant in Orford Street in Ipswich.

Officers found six plants growing inside the property yesterday. The trio were taken to the Martlesham Police Investigation Centre before being released on police bail.

Meanwhile a 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

The men, both from Ipswich, were released on police bail.

Elsewhere, a 28-year-old man in Felixstowe was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

In Lowestoft, a 48-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of drug offences. Both men were bailed until April.

Detectives also visited second-hand shops for further intelligence gathering to discover if any stolen items could be located and seized.

Detective chief inspector (DCI) Caroline Millar, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: “This was another successful day of action which will send out a clear message to those that commit crime in Suffolk that their actions will not be tolerated and we will come down hard on anyone who carries out these types of offences in the county.

“As well as a number of arrests being made we were able to gather further intelligence and seize a number of items, including several wraps of drugs.”

In the west of the county officers executed six warrants.

A 21-year-old man of Bury St Edmunds appeared before magistrates in the town after being arrested and subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply heroin.

During a separate warrant in Risbygate Street a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug offences. He was released on police bail until April 9.

DCI Millar added: “Many of the arrests we made during the day of action were in relation to drug offences.

“Often those committing drug offences can also be linked to acquisitive crime and therefore executing drug warrants can help officers gather good intelligence, which can then provide opportunities to recovery stolen items and make further arrests.

“Further Operation Drawbridge days of action will continue throughout the year so those individuals who engage in this type of criminality should continually look over their shoulder – you will be arrested – you will be charged and the likelihood is that you will go to prison.”