SUSPECTED drug dealers in Earby had a rude awakening as police made early morning raids on five addresses in the town yesterday (Thursday).

Thirty Lancashire police officers executed drug warrants on homes in James Street, Colne Road, Greenend Avenue, Shuttleworth Street and Brook Street.

Five arrests were made and substances believed to be cannabis and heroin were seized, along with Drugs paraphernalia.

Police said arrests related to the supply of controlled drugs and charges were likely to be brought by the end of the day.

The wake-up call came shortly after eight o'clock when police teams simultaneously entered the homes of suspects and searched the premises.

Drug detection dogs accompanied the police, along with firearms officers.

As onlookers gathered, the occupants of the houses were taken into police custody and their homes searched thoroughly.

A Herald reporter watched one address where a man, held back by police officers, apparently tried to head-butt a press photographer, while a woman was taken handcuffed into an unmarked police vehicle.

The high-profile raids follow a series of initiatives by Lancashire police to target drug activity in West Craven.

And police are warning drug dealers there are more raids to come.

West Craven police sergeant Martin Holleran said the timing of the raids was important, as it served a message to local children on their way to school.

"We are not only advising them, but this is a warning to children not to get involved with this sort of activity.

"It was quite deliberate to do it at this time of day when a lot of people are about. We want school children to be aware of the consequences of drugs. The state of some of those houses shows how low your life can get."

He added that neighbours and shop owners had been pleased to see the police operation.

One neighbour said: "It's about time. I am moving because I can't cope with it any more.

"I'm worried about my children, it's not nice bringing kids up when you know this is going on your doorstep."

Sgt Holleran said the drug problem in Earby was no worse than any small town in the area.

He added: "There is a problem, but most of the drug dealers here seem to be low level, dealing to fund their own habit."

The addresses were picked following complaints and information, intelligence sources and police observation.

Sgt Holleran encouraged people to come forward to the police with information about suspected drug dealing.

He said: "The problem you get is people say the police never do anything about drugs, but we don't have the information.

"Unless people come forward there's not a lot we can do."

Inspector Richard Morgan, the "problem orientated police" (POP) officer for West Craven, added: "Drugs are an expensive commodity.

"Everyone knows if people are going to fund a £200 to £400 a week drug habit they need to find the revenue and that generally comes from people's houses and cars."