A THIRD series of raids were carried out by police today in a crackdown on suspected thieves and drug dealers in the Ipswich area.

A THIRD series of raids were carried out by police today in a crackdown on suspected thieves and drug dealers in the Ipswich area.

Among the 70 people arrested over the first two days of the operation is a former Ipswich police detective.

Stephen Rowland, of Norbury Road, Ipswich, is one of five men remanded in custody after appearing at Colchester Magistrates Court yesterday.

Around 150 officers arrested 24 suspects yesterday during the second day of Operation Bivalve, which is primarily targeting thieves, burglars and shoplifters in the Ipswich area.

Police have obtained more than 1,000 items during the 12-month investigation after they opened their own shop to lure in suspected thieves.

Their former colleague Rowland is accused of supplying 123 grams of cocaine on February 27.

The 43-year-old ex-detective constable with Ipswich CID was one of 42 people taken into custody on Tuesday during more than 30 raids. He left the force in March last year.

Damian Thomas, 39, of Demoiselle Crescent in Ipswich, also appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court. He is charged with selling a firearm on February 13.

Thomas is also accused of possession of four rounds of 9mm ammunition on the same date, possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition on February 26 and conspiracy to supply class A controlled drugs between December 1 2008 and June 2, 2009.

In addition Thomas faces another allegation of supplying 123 grams of cocaine on February 27 contrary to the misuse of drugs act.

Martin Wills of Roper Court, Ipswich is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs between December 1 2008 and June 2, 2009.

Richard Burden of Tuddenham Road, Ipswich is accused of selling a firearm on February 13 and possession of four rounds of 9mm ammunition on February 13.

Julian Hazel of Regent Road, Brightlingsea, Essex has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs between December 1 2008 and June 2, 2009.

All five cases were committed to Chelmsford Crown Court on August 24. None of the defendants entered a plea.

Meanwhile, 15 others out of the 42 arrested on Tuesday appeared before Ipswich magistrates yesterday on a variety of charges including supplying heroin, handling stolen goods and theft.

Twelve more people are scheduled to appear at the same court on June 11.

Of the remaining suspects, seven were released on bail pending further inquiries and three will have no further action taken against them.