Nine arrested in major early morning drug raids across Birmingham and Walsall
The raids followed six months of intelligence gathering
Nine people have been arrested following a series of early morning raids targeting suspected drug dealers supplying the Soho Road area of Handsworth.
Around 70 police officers were involved in the coordinated operation, which saw properties raided across Handsworth, Selly Oak, Birmingham city centre and Walsall.
The raids followed six months of intelligence gathering as part of Operation Fearless, a specialist West Midlands Police team tackling drug dealing, violence, anti-social behaviour and other issues affecting communities in Soho Road and the Handsworth Triangle.
Officers from the force's Operational Support Unit used specialist cutting equipment to force entry into some of the properties, with support from the Major Crime Unit, County Lines Taskforce and National Crime Agency.
Heroin and cannabis were recovered during the operation, while nine suspects, aged between 21 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
All nine remained in police custody following the raids.
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew, who leads Operation Fearless, said: "This is a really significant series of raids today, targeting people we suspect are involved in the supply of Class A drugs on the Soho Road.
"We have been gathering information about the supply of drugs in the area over the last six months, and know all too well the misery, violence and other criminality that the drugs trade brings with it.
"We’re working really closely with the community to listen to the concerns that they have and act."
The raids mark the beginning of a week of increased police activity around Soho Road, with officers working alongside Birmingham City Council's Trading Standards team, Soho Road Business Improvement District and other partners.
The operation will also target illegal waste dumping, untaxed vehicles, street drinking and the illegal sex trade as part of wider efforts to address concerns raised by residents and businesses.