POLICE officers swooped on suspected drugs offenders in Morecambe on Wednesday arresting 16 people.

More than 80 officers were involved in the operation with some officers being drafted in from other parts of the county.

Code-named Operation Reassure, it was designed to seize controlled drugs and stolen property.

Superintendent Gerry Graham, Northern Division Operations Manager, said: "This operation is a clear demonstration that the police are determined to tackle the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in the area. These drugs cause misery to local residents, destroy families and bring crime into he lives of innocent people.

"We are sending out a strong message to the suppliers of illegal drugs, You will be targeted, arrested and put before the courts."

The majority of the intelligence was gathered from the local community using the Crimestoppers confidential hotline.

Anyone with information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.