A SIGNIFICIANT amount of suspected uncut cocaine, cannabis and equipment associated with drug dealing has been found during a drugs raid in Taunton.

Avon and Somerset Police carried out a drugs warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a home in the East Reach area this morning (August 19). 

They discovered a golf ball sized lump of what is suspected to be uncut cocaine.

They also found suspected cannabis and equipment associated with drug dealing such as electronic scales.

This is the latest activity in an ongoing operation being run across Somerset to tackle drug dealing and the associated anti-social behaviour.

During a three-day operation in July, police arrested 67 people and executed 38 search warrants targeting drug dealing in Somerset and North Somerset.

So far 39 of the 67 have been charged and all but one, who is attending Youth Court this month, have been to court.

30 of those people have been remanded to prison having pleaded guilty to a variety of drug supply offences and await sentencing.

The remaining 28 people will be in court soon.

A large amount of the information that shaped the nine month investigation leading up to the operation came from the community, the police say.

PC Steve Linton, from Taunton Police Station, said: “We want to thank the public for providing us with the information that lead not only to today’s activity, but all the work we have carried out across the area lately.

“We won’t tolerate drug dealing and the hugely negative impact it has on the local community and we encourage members of the public to let us know of anyone they suspect to be housing drug dealers or allowing the supply of drugs from their premises.

“We also want to hear from anyone who is worried about friends, neighbours or relatives they feel might be vulnerable to drug dealers due to dependency or debt.

“Sometimes people suffer the impact of anti-social behaviour associated with drug dealing activities such as a steady flow of visitors to a particular property at all times of the day and night, people waiting in cars exchanging small packets or cash, or lots of visitors bringing items such as T.V's or bikes, or bags of brand new clothing but leaving empty handed.

"These can be tell-tale signs of drug crime and can be annoying, intimidating and disruptive.

"Please don’t suffer in silence, if you see it, report it.”

If you have information about any suspected criminal or suspicious activity in your area, call 101 or report it online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

If you don’t want to speak to police, then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, it is completely anonymous and you could earn yourself a cash reward.