Watch: Huge police crackdown in raids across Shropshire

They were joining Operation Protect – the largest joint operation ever delivered by members of West Mercia Police and the Warwickshire Police.

The operation began at 5am and was due to see more than 40 warrants carried out at addresses, including those in Telford and Shrewsbury and across the whole of the West Mercia force area.

By 2.30pm there had been a total of 46 arrests.

Telford area - six arrests

• 32-year-old male from Woodside - on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance

• 29-year-old male from Hadley - on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs

• 20-year-old mal from Woodside - on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs

• 27-year-old male from Dawley - on suspicion of being concerned in supply of Class A drugs

• 25-year-old male from Wellington, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs

• Sixth arrest still being processed but is a female from Dawley, on suspicion of possession of a class B drug.

Shropshire area - six arrests:

• 21-year-old, male from Shrewsbury - on suspicion of theft

• 40-year-old male from Market Drayton - on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs

• 38-year-old female from Shrewsbury- on suspicion of possession of class A and B drugs and theft

• 51-year-old male from Shrewsbury - on suspicion of theft

• 36-year-old male from Wem - on suspicion of possession of cannabis; given a caution

• 38-year-old male from Oswestry - on suspicion of possession of class A drugs

There were also automatic number plate recognition operations .

Police updates on Twitter:

Speaking about Operation Protect this morning, Deputy Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: "We want today to be an opportunity for us to open the doors on the world of policing to give the people we serve, a chance to see the work that is carried out 24/7 in order to protect you.

"Every single member of our alliance, no matter what their job title, plays an important role in protecting our communities from harm every day of the year.

"We are dedicated to being open and transparent. This our chance to give one clear strong message that we are here to catch criminals, prevent crime, tackle anti social behaviour and to engage with our communities to reassure them and to keep them safe. Today we are taking that opportunity."

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