A NEW drugs squad has made 18 arrests and seized thousands of pounds of drugs since it was set up six weeks ago.

Officers carried out two simultaneous raids in different parts of the town yesterday as they continue to keep up the pressure on those suspected of dealing Class A drugs.

On this occasion they left empty handed but DS Bob Cooper says the Swindon Drugs Team will not be deterred in the fight against drugs.

"We are focusing on level one dealing, which is street activity, and the level that really impacts upon the community and neighbourhoods the most.

"The idea behind it is obviously harm reduction through tackling Class A drugs.

"At the same time we are trying to remove the anti-social element that is attracted to drug dealing that impacts on neighbourhoods so much.

"That's what we do. But to achieve that we need the community to talk to us.

"We need to know what is happening in their neighbourhood.

"So although we will step up and we will tackle it, we will achieve our best results by working with those who are living in the areas where drug dealing is occurring."

Yesterday the police searched an end terrace house in Burbage Road, Penhill and another property which was linked to it in Buckhurst Crescent, Walcot just after 9am.

DS Cooper said: "Our message to those dealing drugs in Swindon is if you come on our radar we will target you.

"The drugs team was supporting the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in tackling the problem of drug dealing in their areas.

"On this occasion no drugs were found but the message remains the same."

The dedicated drugs team was set up six weeks ago.

As well as the 18 arrests, the team has seized £10,000 worth of Class A drugs, crack cocaine and heroin, and £1,000 of Class B drugs, amphetamines and cannabis.

"From where we are it's been a good start," DS Cooper said. "It's been a busy start.

"Class A drugs have always been high on the agenda but it's more so now with the dedicated drugs team."

Anyone who has any information about drug dealing in their area is asked to contact Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.