UP TO 50 officers took part in a series of raids yesterday as police launched a new assault on the hard drugs underworld of Torbay.

Yesterday's Operation Tucker involved raids on suspect addresses across Paignton and Torquay.

The aim was to punch as many holes as possible in the heroin supply chain which fuels acquisitive crime across the two resorts.

Detective Inspector Dave Thorne, who headed the strikes, revealed afterwards: "Altogether we arrested six people which is what we expected — and we did seize a quantity of a substance we believe to be heroin."

He said all those arrested were detained on suspicion of either supplying Class A drugs such as heroin or being concerned in the supply of the drugs.

"These arrests are all part of the continued disruption we are trying to maintain over the supply of heroin in Torquay and Paignton which will in turn reduce the harmful effects this trade can have on the community," Mr Thorne said.

He praised the efforts of the neighbourhood policing team who played a primary role in yesterday's series of attacks against the drugs trade.

"They are continuing to do good work in the community," said Mr Thorne, who warned the fight against dealers would be unflagging.

He said more arrests and seizures might be notched up before the end of the day.

Seizures in the early part of the operation included 20 wraps of a substance reckoned to be heroin.

The swoops were executed after a special briefing with senior officers at Paignton Police Station just before 9am yesterday.

In Dartmouth Road, Paignton, police arrested two men — aged 23 and 60 — and in the resort's Palace Avenue they detained a 27-year-old man.

In Torquay a 48-year-old from Lichfield Avenue was taken in for questioning as was a 34-year-old from Factory Row.

A street arrest was made in nearby Castle Road where a 20-year-old man was detained.

Mr Thorne confirmed 50 officers were involved in the planning and execution of the raids.

He urged anyone with information about illicit drug dealing in the Bay to call police on 08452 777444 or to use the confidential Crimestoppers number of 0800 555111.