THREE properties were searched by police and a range of agencies as part of a co-ordinated crackdown that took place in southern parts of Great Yarmouth this morning.

At 10am, a total of 40 officers with drug dogs and 30 members from organisations including the Environmental Health and the UK Border Agency took part in the searches on two businesses and a home.

Drugs warrants were carried out on a business on Southgate Road and a residential address on Exmouth Road, while another business on Salmon Road was searched because of believed links to the other sites.

Named Operation Prancer, it follows months of preparation, with officers conducting door-to-door liaison after the raids, and those involved carrying out a visual check of the surrounding area for any other regulation breaches.

Insp Nick Cheshire emphasised the importance of co-ordination and emphasised an increased focus on community engagement after the raids.

He added: 'We want to send a message to the majority of those working and living in South Yarmouth that we're working together and that we will continue to be active until we're satisfied we've dealt with the people involved with criminal activities, whether drugs,car crime or anything else.'

The investigation continues.