TEN people have been arrested after more than 40 police swooped on a series of addresses in Swanage and one in Poole to remove suspected drug dealers.

Eight addresses were searched yesterday.

Six men, aged between 22 and 39, all from Swanage, one 23-year-old man from Poole, and one women, aged 29, from Swanage were arrested in connection with the alleged supply of class A and B drugs, including cocaine and cannabis.

A quantity of drugs, believed to be class A and class B, were found at an address in Swanage.

At another Swanage address, a loft had been modified to allow the cultivation of a number of plants, believed to be cannabis.

All substances found are being forensically examined.

Yesterday’s events were the second phase of an operation to target drug dealers in Swanage.

The first phase took place on Saturday when officers executed warrants at two pubs on High Street, The White Swan and Purbeck Hotel.

A 33-year-old man from Swanage was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs, and a 55-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply (class B). Both men are currently on police bail.

Section Commander for Purbeck police, Inspector Chris Weeks, said: “Safer Neighbourhood Officers will be visiting the communities that have been affected by this operation, to provide reassurance.

“Officers will also be distributing information leaflets to those concerned, which will describe what has taken place during the past 48 hours.

“In addition, we will be carrying out high visibility patrols and holding regular forums so that we can listen to any members of our community who still may have concerns.”

Swanage Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant Des Connor urged people to come forward with information in confidence. Call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.