A MAN has admitted possessing cannabis and another has been charged with producing the drug after a police raid in Taunton yesterday (Tuesday).

The operation in Roman Road followed tips off from the community.

Darryl Janaway, 36, has been charged with being concerned with the production of cannabis and bailed to appear at Taunton Deane Magistrates' Court on June 5.

A 19-year-old West Buckland man admitted possessing cannabis and received a formal caution.

A 28-year-old Taunton man arrested was also arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply was bailed pending further enquiries until July 17.

Sgt Andy Murphy praised the part played by locals after the raid, which was part of a week-long forcewide clampdown on drugs.

He said: "Community intelligence has led to a successful operation again.

"Community intelligence is hugely important on an estate like this and throughout Taunton.

"Our message to drug dealers is, Don't deal drugs in Taunton'."

A woman, who did not want to be named, said: "We're fed up of drug dealing around here.

"There are children and young people and it's not right - fair play to the police for taking action."

Police arrived in Roman Road in force after a briefing at Taunton Police Station and piled out of vehicles at around 10.30am.

They broke down the door of one house, which was empty, arrested a teenager carrying cannabis outside the other home, where they were let in.

Several officers then poured into both homes and secured the scene before conducting thorough searches for evidence.

A police sniffer dog and its handler joined the search inside the houses and in a car at the roadside.

Several plastic bin liners filled with suspected cannabis were taken away.

*See Thursday's Somerset County Gazette for the full story.