DRUGS worth thousands of pounds were seized during a major police operation at a Bournemouth address.

Cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy tablets and steroids were seized from a large house in Cavendish Road.

And in Poole, police raided a home in Corfe Mullen which had been transformed into cannabis factory.

Now a senior police officer has warned dealers they could lose their homes if they continue with their illegal activities.

Officers attended the eight-bedroom house in Cavendish Road as part of Operation Dismantle, Dorset Police's ongoing initiative aimed at tackling drug crime and prolific drug offenders across the county.

Specially trained officers gained entry to the house, and a further team spent six hours carrying out a detailed search of the property.

Superintendent Nick Hazelton of Bournemouth police said the initiative was a success and warned those involved in the drugs trade that they may be next.

"We will continue our drive against class-A drug supply in the Bournemouth division," he said. "We are well aware of the amount of crime committed by those funding a drug habit, the effect on those who are victims of these crimes and the misery drug misuse inflicts on those addicted."

Supt Hazelton warned that addresses will be closed down under powers granted in the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 and added: "This type of criminal behaviour isn't fair on all those honest, law-abiding members of the public who reside in your street and who have to put up with the misery caused by your activities.

"Those involved must be aware that we will not tolerate this type of offence, and the message is that if you deal in drugs, be prepared to lose your home."

The latest raid saw 10 arrests, nine for drugs offences and one for theft, said police. A 40-year-old Bournemouth man was charged with possession of controlled drugs and a 23-year-old man of no known address was charged with theft.

Eight people, men and women aged between mid-20s and mid-50s, have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

In the raid at Victoria Close, Corfe Mullen, police discovered 34 cannabis plants, four bin liners full of roots and leaves, and equipment for growing cannabis, including lights and fertilisers.

Inspector Richard Hutley, of Poole police, said: "This is one of the biggest seizures for cultivation set-ups in Poole division for a while.

"Operation Dismantle is a great example of proactive policing, working positively to reduce the use and supply of drugs."

A 25-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were arrested in connection with growing the cannabis plants and have been released on bail pending forensic results from the drugs, which have yet to be valued.

First published: May 26