A SERIES of drug raids in Chesham has sent out a clear message that dealing will not be tolerated, said police.

The raids were carried out as part of Thames Valley Police's ongoing strategy against disrupting class A drug networks called Operation Falcon.

Five properties, in Batchelors Way, Bellingdon Road, Benham Close and two in Honeysuckle Field, were searched in dawn raids. Police say drugs were found at three of them.

The operation came six days after well-known Chesham drug dealer Fassel Azim was jailed for a series of drug offences.

Azim, 21, who was also known as Poppy, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court to three counts of dealing cocaine and two counts of dealing cannabis.

The swoop, which was one of the biggest operations to be carried out in Chesham for many years, has been hailed a success.

Learie Bacchus, Chesham neighbourhood sergeant, said: "It's putting a message out into the community that we are not here to tolerate the dealing of drugs.

"The more people tell us about it, the more we can do. They can give the information through Crimestoppers anonymously and we will act on that information. Today shows that."

Chiltern's Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Cherrington said: "It was one of the largest operations in this area, certainly in the last 20 years. We wanted to do a thorough search and it went really well. We've recovered some drugs."

Stuart Greenfield, Acting Chief Inspector for the Chiltern Police Area, said: "The knock-on effect for drug supply and use is the rise of other crime such as burglary and theft.

"People see drugs as a victimless crime, but today's raids are to protect the public from the harm linked to drugs."

Members of the public are being urged to call Thames Valley Police if they are suspicious of any drug-related activity.

They can be contacted on 08458 505 505, or alternatively people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A MAN has been charged with drug possession after being arrested on Wednesday.

Mudassar Latif, 26, of Honeysuckle Field, Chesham has been bailed to appear before Aylesbury Magistrates Court on December 12 after being charged with possessing cannabis.

Two other men have also been released on police bail after being arrested for suspected drug possession.

A 26-year-old man has been released until January 9 after a class A substance was allegedly found at a property in Bellingdon Road, while a 19-year-old male was arrested at an address in Benham Close on suspicion of possessing a class C drug.

The drugs have been sent away for analysis.