THIRTY-FOUR people have been arrested in Bridgwater and Burnham during a major police offensive on drugs.

Officers have carried out more than 20 raids throughout Sedgemoor since Operation Globe - a crackdown on suspected drug offenders, and those causing antisocial behaviour or failing to turn up to court - launched on February 28.

In total, 24 people in the Bridgwater area and ten people in the Burnham area have been arrested in connection with alleged drug offences, including possession of class A and B drugs, the cultivation of cannabis and the failure to appear in court.

Police say they have also seized suspected heroin, amphetamine and cannabis plants and bush.

Inspector Shane Carey of Bridgwater police said the crackdown sent a clear message from officers to criminals - “we will find and arrest you”.

He added: “I want to reassure the public that Somerset West is a safe place to live and drug related crime is undertaken by the minority.

“Crime has been falling steadily over the last ten years, with detection rates rising. However, we are not complacent and drug supply will not be tolerated."

Insp Carey thanked members of the community for their help in Operation Globe and urged anyone with information about crime to contact police on 0845-4567000.