THREE arrests have been made and a cannabis factory uncovered as 60 police officers descended on eight addresses around Swindon in an effort to disrupt drugs networks as part of the force's Operation Harness.

With properties in Old Town, Highworth and Walcot on the hit list, warrants were executed at around 9am this morning leading on from fresh leads in the communities.

With drug networks from London making repeated inroads into Swindon and Wiltshire, the focus was on disrupting both groups from the capital and local suppliers.

The final haul is still being tallied, but operational commander Sgt Joel Coombes said the day had been a success.

A cannabis farm was discovered in Butterworth Street and a man aged 46 was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in Victoria Road on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, and another 36-year-old man was arrested in Claverton Court on suspicion of theft.

In Highworth, a man was cautioned for possession of cannabis. 

In Melksham, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs and in Chippenham an imitation firearm was recovered.

Sgt Coombes said: “Dangerous drugs networks are always looking for an opportunity to get back into Swindon and Wiltshire.

“It doesn’t take long for them to try their luck and attempt to do just that. That is why it is important to continue this proactive work, which includes the work that goes on daily to disrupt these networks who seek to exploit the town.

“This is a way of driving home a message to those people who do not understand our approach to drugs - we will catch them, and we will stop them affecting our communities.

“Today we have seized a substantial amount of drugs and cash, preventing them from hitting our local streets.

“Local intelligence plays a big part in this operation so I would like to thank members of the public who have helped us disrupt these drug networks.

"I would urge anyone with information on drug dealing to contact Wiltshire Police immediately. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Operation Harness is a long-term collaborative project tackling issues which matter most to our communities. It involves police officers and staff over a number of organised days of action throughout the year.

Anyone with information should call police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.