Yesterday morning, Thursday 9th February, Surrey Police successfully dismantled a network of suspected drug dealers following months of hard work and planning which has culminated in 15 people being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Operation Erstwhile involved approximately 200 officers who conducted dawn raids at 16 properties in Redhill, Horley, Woodhatch, South Nutfield, London and Sussex.

The operation was mounted after Surrey Police received intelligence suggesting that drug dealers had moved into the county and were supplying class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, from various addresses.

Prior to the early morning raids Surrey Police has been gathering information from the community and working with support agency DAAT, Drug and Alcohol Action Team, to ensure those affected by drugs have access to the support that is available.

During the operation officers recovered approximately 100 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine from a number of dealers. It is believed this could amount to up to ￡40,000 a month profit from selling class A drugs.

Items including hydroponics equipment, money and suspected stolen goods have been recovered following the early morning raids.

Officers from across the Force, including detectives, dog handlers, search teams, police support units and rapid entry teams, combined with mutual aid from Hampshire and Sussex, searched addresses in Redhill, Horley, Reigate, South Nutfield and various addresses in London and Sussex.

In addition to 15 arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, one person was arrested on suspicion of breaching bail, one person was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and two people were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Those arrested were taken to Woking custody to be interviewed.

Two people received a caution for possession of cannabis.

Superintendent Matt Bristow said: "Operation Erstwhile has yet again shown how successful Surrey Police is in identifying and smashing suspected networks of drug dealers who come into the county to supply illegal substances.

"It is widely accepted that class A drug abuse destroys communities. Not only are those dependent on drugs harming themselves but anyone who has been a victim of crime as a result of a user needing to fund their habit are also affected.

"Through our enforcement activity today we have demonstrated Surrey Police is serious about cracking down on the supply and use of class A drugs in our community and we are capable of taking action against travelling criminals.

"Although the majority of warrants executed this morning were in the borough of Reigate and Banstead through Operation Shield we also identified the need to target suspected dealers at addresses in Sussex and London. Clearly this sends a stark warning to anyone thinking of coming into Surrey intent on committing offences that we can, and will, put an end to the misery caused by drugs."

Officers from the Reigate and Banstead Borough's Safer Neighbourhood Team are providing a high visibility presence in the communities affected by the raids this morning to assist members of the community and reassure them.

Ahead of today's operation Surrey Police has been working closely with DAAT to ensure support is readily available to those affected by drugs.

Kevin Deanus, of DAAT, said: "Reducing the supply of drugs is a key priority for the DAAT. Operation Erstwhile demonstrates the visible side of police enforcement. The DAAT can support this by ensuring additional key treatment services are in place to help those who are drug users, and those affected by others drug use. We will provide them with help to get them off drugs and back to a positive and productive lifestyle."

Superintendent Bristow added: "Local residents told us they want us to crackdown on illegal drugs in their community therefore I hope the arrests today prove we do listen and we are committed to tackling drug related criminality.

"We will work hard to bring those involved in the illegal supply and use of class A drugs to justice. However, this does not end when a person is sent to prison as we will also seek to recover financial assets gained by criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

"I want the community to have confidence in the fact Surrey Police will work hard to make your neighbourhood a pleasant place to live and if necessary we will not hesitate to take such enforcement action again in the future. By working together we ensure those intent on causing misery in your community do not succeed. I would appeal to the community to contact Surrey Police, or Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous, should you have any information about the supply of drugs in your area."