Police say the Operation Evangelist was launched after tip offs from the public, and 11 people have been charged with drug trafficking offences.

The force stepped up its Rat On A Rat campaign encouraging people to call with information about drug supplying.

Divisional Operations Commander Supt John Busuttil said: "Our purpose is to tackle the root cause of drug abuse."

He added: "Those involved will be tracked down, and every effort will be made to put behind bars the criminals who through their selfish, misled desire to seek fortune choose to supply illicit drugs."

Operation Evangelist targets those involved in drug criminality in the town.

Councillor Tom Bickley, portfolio holder for community safety said: "Newark and Sherwood is one of the safest areas to live in the East Midlands, but we recognise there are still problems."