TWENTY-ONE people were arrested in one of the largest drugs operations to be carried out by Dorset Police.

The arrests were made during a three-day covert operation involving 60 officers.

Teams of officers made arrests at different locations across Dorchester in connection with the alleged supply of Class A controlled drugs as part of Operation Trove, police said.

Those arrested in the county town included nine men aged between 27 and 49 and four women aged between 17 and 47.

Two more men, aged between 33 and 41, were arrested in connection with other drugs offences in what the police say is one of the largest drugs operations of its kind.

Section commander for Dorchester Inspector Les Fry, said: "We welcome this action that has taken place in Dorchester as it should have a beneficial impact on the community.

"Dorchester is one of the safest towns in the UK and will continue to be so.

"We will work with all our partner agencies such as Magna Housing Association, West Dorset District Council and Dorchester Town Council to make sure that communities feel safe and continue to be safe."

During the operation five men and one woman were also arrested at different addresses in Blandford.

Divisional Superintendent Gary Smith warned of more action to come, saying: "We won't tolerate these markets being re-established so expect further police action in rural Dorset over the coming weeks.

"This has been the largest drugs operation ever carried out in Dorset county division.

"Our aim was to create major disruption to the drugs market in two of our rural towns and we have succeeded in doing so thanks to many hours of discreet observations.

"We have also been acting on intelligence provided by the community and we hope that these results will continue to encourage residents to come forward with information."

"This operation has enabled us to identify a lot of Class A drug users who clearly need help."

A follow-up operation has been launched to deal with the impact of the arrests.

Under Operation Bearing safer neighbourhood officers will hold regular forums for residents to voice concerns and give further intelligence to police.

The neighbourhood officers aim to offer reassurance to the community with high visibility patrols. They will work the partner agencies to try and identify remaining drug users and provide access to support and rehabilitation.

Supt Smith added: "Part of the planning process was to involve our partners and including local drug action teams.

"They'll be able to provide support and treatment to users who may be affected by the sudden drop in supply."