The crackdown on drugs and the disruption of illegal drugs activity continued with raids across Norfolk and Suffolk today.

Properties in Norwich, Hethersett, Foxley and Shropham in Norfolk were targeted; properties in Erwarton, Woodbridge, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, Harkstead, Elmswell and Holton St Mary were also raided in Suffolk.

A team of officers from the eastern regional special operations unit, along with officers from specialist search teams and dog units, have been involved in the execution of 15 warrants in the two counties.

Following the raids, officers from the local neighbourhood policing teams have been carrying out patrols in the areas where the warrants were executed. They will be providing reassurance to residents and providing information and support.

Seven people, six men and one woman in the two counties have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and money laundering.

Acting Det Supt Mark Lay, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Today is the culmination of months of painstaking work undertaken by officers throughout the region and beyond.

'It should send a message that any persons engaged in the unlawful supply of drugs within the region can expect the full force of the police to bring them to justice.

'We are sending a clear message to the residents that dealing in drugs will not be tolerated and we will continue to tackle it robustly.'

He said a major part of the success of today's operations had been the intelligence provided by members of the public.

'It is their information and their positive action that has enabled us to carry out these raids with a successful outcome. I would reiterate the message that the more the public tells us, the more we can do to help tackle drugs and track down the people involved' he said.

'The raids today will have seriously inconvenienced the drug dealing networks, but there is still more to be done – and I can assure those individuals that persist in this type of illegal activity, they will be tracked down, arrested and their assets seized.'

Anyone who suspects there is drug activity in their community should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111