A LARGE quantity of what is believed to be class A drugs was seized at a house in Colchester.

Operation Rough Diamond saw ten officers swoop on the home of a suspected drug dealer in Brisbane Way, Berechurch.

After smashing though the door with a battering ram and leading away a man in handcuffs, officers carried out a thorough search of the semi-detached house.

Sgt Graham Taylor said the raid was “a major success”, with “a substantial quantity” of what is believed to be cocaine, amphetamine and ecstasy found.

He added: “This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to come down hard on those who commit drug-related offences and will cause major disruption to the supply of drugs in Colchester.

“Not only do drug suppliers ruin the lives of those they sell to, their local community also has to suffer with the antisocial behaviour that goes hand in hand with drug dealing.”

The suspected drugs have been sent away for analysis.

Officers had been warned a weapon might be found, but did not find one.

Thursday night’s raid followed tip-offs from the public.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said she “had a feeling something wasn’t right” about the house.

She continued: “There were a lot of people going there and then leaving very quickly, and the man living there would go out at all hours.

“I did report my suspicions to the police and I’m happy something has been done about it.

“A drug den is the last thing you want in your street.”

Sgt Taylor called on residents to be vigilant and “get to know what’s out of the ordinary for your neighbourhood”.

He added: “Are there unfamiliar cars visiting a house at odd times? Does there seem to be an unusually high number of people going into the premises?

“If you have any concerns, please report it to us immediately. We will always act on any intelligence.”

Three of the ten officers involved in the raid were only in their second day on the job.

Sgt Taylor said: “This is a massive experience for them and shows they are out there doing positive work for the community.”

A 38-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned by police on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.