FOUR men and a woman remain in custody today after armed officers raided homes across Ipswich in a ruthless operation aimed at crack dealers.The total number of arrests in Ipswich, as part of ongoing Operation Crackdown, now totals 31 in two months.

FOUR men and a woman remain in custody today after armed officers raided homes across Ipswich in a ruthless operation aimed at crack dealers.

The total number of arrests in Ipswich, as part of ongoing Operation Crackdown, now totals 31 in two months.

Ipswich police have recovered more than £7,000 worth of drugs, cash and stolen property, whereas drugs seized elsewhere in the county totalled just £2,500.

Of the 47 arrests made across Suffolk in Operation Crackdown, more than half were in Ipswich – confirming the town's image as a drug hotspot.

Southern Area Commander Chief Supt Geoff Munns said: "Recent activity particularly in Ipswich reflects our concern over a rise in availability of both heroin and crack cocaine."

Armed officers forced their way into a maisonette in Newnham Court on the Chantry Estate at 9.30am yesterday and arrested a man on suspicion of supplying a class A drug.

The raid came 30 minutes after armed officers stopped a car in Chevallier Street and arrested a man on suspicion of supplying grade A drugs.

At 6pm yesterday evening, police stopped a car in the Birkfield Drive area and arrested a man.

And shortly afterwards a man and a woman were both arrested at an address in Windsor Road.

At the time of going to press none of the five arrested people had been charged.

In the last two months, Operation Crackdown also saw six arrests made in Lowestoft and Leiston and a further 10 made in 14 addresses Mildenhall, Haverhill, Stowmarket, Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

The amount of drugs recovered totalled £2,500.

Detective Inspector Alan Caton who oversaw the operation in Ipswich said: "It shows we are targeting the right people through accurate intelligence and gathering. The message is simple – if people continue to deal in drugs in the town, don't be surprised if my officers come knocking on your door."

Carey Godfrey, Suffolk Drug Action Team co-ordinator welcomed the crackdown and stressed the need for a multi-agency approach.

He said: "Operation Crackdown will undoubtedly disrupt the local drug markets as well as give people the opportunity to address their drug problem either in the community or in prison."

Anyone who suspects someone they know may be dealing in drugs should contact the Operation Crackdown hotline on 0800 253 253.

There is also a Suffolk help line for people concerned about drugs: 0800 587 0421.