POLICE in Felixstowe raided a series of houses in the town as part of a clampdown on drug dealing.The raids were part of Operation Crackdown with officers all over Suffolk targeting suspects in a series of swoops to take more drugs off the street.

POLICE in Felixstowe raided a series of houses in the town as part of a clampdown on drug dealing.

The raids were part of Operation Crackdown with officers all over Suffolk targeting suspects in a series of swoops to take more drugs off the street.

Priority is heroin, and while Felixstowe is not awash with hard drugs, officers admit there are dealers at work and they need to keep the pressure on to avoid major problems.

A team of officers swooped on a house in Mickfield Mews on the Orwell Green estate, but there was no need to break in as officers had managed to get hold of the front door key in advance.

Even so, an officer was stationed at the back in case items were thrown out of windows, and others ready to go in immediately to start the search as Sgt Neil McKay unlocked the door.

Their entrance was a surprise for Boyd Rice, 38, and his wife Justine, 35, who were just settling down with a can of beer and a computer game on their TV at 9.30am.

Mr Rice, a former heroin user said: “I have had police come in and search places where I have lived before, but I didn't expect them to have a door key!”

He said he had been clean now for three years, though admitted to still taking amphetamines occasionally and smoking cannabis.

He added: “I have got nothing to hide because there are no drugs here. There is no point in obstructing the police officers because that will just cause more problems - they have there job to do and most of them are very fair.”

Officers searched the house thoroughly, including bedding, furniture, cupboards, the loft and garage. Mr Rice said the officers had been “good as gold” and not made any mess. No drugs were found.

Officers then raided a property in southern Felixstowe, where a man living with his parents was the target. It was believed his family did not know of his alleged drug dealing activities.

A property at Longfield was also visited. No drugs were found at any of the premises.

However, Sgt McKay said the day had still been a success - especially in letting suspects know that the police were aware of them, and in disrupting the activities of the drug scene.

More raids would be taking place over the next month as part of Operation Crackdown.

He said: “While we always hope to recover drugs and catch dealers, issuing the warrants is also a chance to gather intelligence and learn more about those involved in drugs.”

People with information about drug dealing can report information anonymously via the drugs hotline on 0800 253253 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Are you worried about drugs in Felixstowe? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk