POLICE have issued a stern warning to drug dealers after an early morning raid at a house resulted in four arrests. The people were detained on suspicion of drugs offences after a battering ram was used to gain entry to the two-bedroom property just after 7.

POLICE have issued a stern warning to drug dealers after an early morning raid at a house resulted in four arrests.

The people were detained on suspicion of drugs offences after a battering ram was used to gain entry to the two-bedroom property just after 7.30am yesterday on the Greenstead estate.

The move was part of Operation Tralee - a major investigation targeting class A drug dealers in the town - which has resulted in 10 arrests within the last week.

Yesterday's raid, led by Sgt Dave Salmon, followed months of intelligence gathering operations.

Twelve officers from the tactical unit and the northern community policing team broke down the door and surrounded the suspects at Alyssum Walk.

Two men, aged 42 and 27, and a woman were arrested on suspicion of supplying a class A drug, while a second woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug. The women were 38 and 32.

A police drugs dog later searched the property although no drugs were taken.

Sgt Dave Salmon, who led the raid, said he was pleased with results.

"It went exactly to plan – all four of the suspects we wanted were in there – it was as good as we could have hoped for," he said.

During the search, officers seized a silver BB gun, something officers said was becoming more common during raids.

At a briefing before the raids, Chief Inspector Tim Newcombe said: "If you are dealing drugs in Colchester you should be getting nervous."

Six people arrested as part of Operation Tralee last Thursday, are due to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court today.

After the raids the mobile police office was back on the Greenstead Estate making sure support was given people affected by drugs culture.

Sgt Paul Johnson said it was a good chance for people to make a positive impact.

He said: "I think we can make the difference but it is in the hands of the community – if they don't grasp this opportunity they will be on the treadmill again."

n There will be an advice session held by Colchester police for residents at the resource centre on the Greenstead estate between 10am and 4pm, next Tuesday.

Information will be available about neighbourhood watch schemes, security issues and there will be help and advice for people about all types of drug issues.