EARLY morning raids were carried out this morning as police closed in on suspected drug offenders.

Officers in riot gear led the way as they smashed down the doors of two Barrow properties.

They were supported by members of the dog squad, financial investigation officers and uniformed PCs.

Within 20 seconds of pulling up outside an address in Ramsden Street, officers ascended two flights of stairs and were at the door of a suspected criminal.

A PC carrying an Enforcer ram, which weighs more than 16kg, and lets one person apply three tonnes of force, made short work of the property's front door.

See the moment police broke down the door of a suspected drug offender:

Officers stormed into the property, quickly detaining the occupant, a 27-year-old man.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and is being questioned by police.

Officers were supported by Frank, a specially trained drugs, cash and firearms sniffer dog sent into the flat to help the team search for illegal items.

After half an hour, the suspect was led out of the house in handcuffs to a waiting police van, accompanied by an officer carrying a large bag of evidence.

A house in Macadam Street was also searched, but after a full sweep of the property, nothing was found and no arrests were made.

Chief Inspector Matt Pearman said: "The public recognise enforcement is an important part of policing, but prevention is equally, if not more important.

"All year round we work with the community, with community groups and our partners to provide opportunities to prevent people offending."

Last year the police in the Furness area confiscated £70,000 worth of drugs, and £20,000 worth of cash during a wider operation to crack down on drug crime.

Cumbria Constabulary is keen to stress that criminals travelling to the area will not find it easier to sell drugs and profit from crime in the county.