POLICE in Taunton have been giving suspected criminals in Taunton a rude awakening this week with in a series of dawn raids.

Over the last two days they have targeted a number of addresses in Taunton and Bridgwater and have recovered drugs and weapons.

Officers are still totting up their haul but the most recent figures suggest the quantity of heroin seized amounts to about 250 ‘street deals’, or a street value of about £2,500.

Blades, other weapons and golf clubs that were suspected of not being used for sport have also been seized.

Restrictions on reporting the raids have just been lifted by the force.

Ch Supt Sandy Padgett, told the County Gazette: “We carried out over 20 warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Theft Act as well as a firearms warrant.

“Drug dealers need to be scared and concerned about what their next moves are because we won’t stop.

“I’m very pleased with how it’s gone. It’s about disrupting their operations and showing people in the community that drug dealing is not a legitimate way of making a living.”

The public were also praised for their role in helping police.

Ch Supt Padgett said: “It’s been really important for us to recognise the information we get from the public. Without the public’s support and knowledge of what’s happening in their communities we are unable to carry out this work.

“After executing the warrants we have been speaking to the local communities, increasing our patrols and carrying out street briefings.”