23 PEOPLE have been arrested and a number of drugs and weapons have been seized after police raided a number of properties in Taunton. 

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police in Taunton were up bright and early this morning (July 5) for a briefing at 4.30am before executing 15 drugs warrants at properties in and around the town.

Officers from the Taunton Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by colleagues from the Investigations Team, Operational Support team and Dog Units carried out raids across the town in a bid to disrupt drug supply in the area.

Chief Inspector Lisa Simpson, who heads up policing for West Somerset, said: “Assistant Chief Constable Caroline Peters and I were out on the ground with our officers and staff to demonstrate our commitment to tackling drug dealing for our local communities.

“23 people were arrested and an additional three were arrested last week, for supply offences, in the lead up to today.”

Weapons and drugs were seized at many of the properties raided and those arrested were taken to Bridgwater Police Centre.

Chief Inspector Simpson added: “Today wasn’t just about taking drug dealers off the street; more importantly it was about protecting vulnerable people who are exploited due to debt, addiction, mental health problems or other issues that make them an easy target.

"We won’t tolerate it.

“Dealers identify and then use vulnerable people in our communities – whether that’s to use their home as a base or for transporting drugs; it can have a huge impact on those individuals who often end up homeless, in the justice system and with drug debt and addiction.

"We want to prevent that.”

Police have revealed that a number of the raids carried out today was at a property run by Taunton Association for the Homeless.

Justin Roxburgh, chief executive of TAH, said: "Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH) are in full support of the recent operation conducted by Avon and Somerset Police.

“TAH does not in any way permit the use of drugs in any of our premises. Our main priority is to keep our clients safe and protect them against any harm that may arise from taking illegal substances. Lives are being ruined or even lost.

"Unfortunately it is our most vulnerable clients who are targeted by ruthless drug dealers. This Police action sends a strong message to these people that their actions will not be tolerated.  We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their continued support."

C/Insp Simpson added: “We hope today’s activities reassure residents that we do listen and we do take action. Please keep supplying us with information either about drug dealing, or about people you feel might be exploited by drug dealers.”