A TOP cop hopes drug dealers in Chester are having sleepless nights after vowing to ‘hunt them down and put them away’.

Inspector Mel Williams was speaking after 24 people were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following a series of dawn raids on Tuesday in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Liverpool.

The Chronicle joined more than 150 officers for the high-profile Operation Strikeout, which targeted a total of seven properties in areas such as Saughall, Upton, Hoole, and Newton.

Nine warrants were executed in Ellesmere Port, including Great Sutton, and five in Liverpool.

Insp Williams says clamping down on drug suppliers has been a major priority since 2007 and believes progress is being made.

He said: “This operation has sent out a strong message. We need to make sure the dealers are wondering what our next tactics will be.

“If drug dealers are paranoid then my message is they should be.

“We want them to be paranoid to the point where they don’t sleep at night because they won’t know where the next knock is coming from.

“We will continue to hunt them down and put them away.”

He is also keen to point out that information from the public is vital.

“They are key to our success. They’re our eyes and ears”, added Insp Williams.

“People should feel safe in their streets, they shouldn’t have to witness drug dealing.”

As part of the Cheshire Police operation, the Chronicle was invited to travel with one of the teams which carried out a total of three dawn raids.

During each, specialist officers battered down the front doors with an enforcer before handcuffing any occupants who were inside to allow an investigation team to search the property.

Speaking during the operation, Insp Rob Woodward said: “These are more high level than the average drug dealer that the neighbourhood policing units would deal with.

“As well as being about reassurance for the public, the operation is also about disruption and enforcement.

“What the public tell us is vital. Some will think ‘I’ve told the police and nothing has happened’ but what we have to do is develop the intelligence and then act on it at the appropriate time.”

This is the second Operation Strikeout to target drug dealers. In December 21 people were jailed for a total of more than 69 years for drugs possession and supply charges following a series of dawn raids in October.

If you are concerned about drug use in your community or have any information call police on 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

DAWN RAID: Specialist police officers break down the door of a property in Chester during Operation Strikeout. pic going on system

STRONG MESSAGE: Inspector Mel Williams. VT02062006KNIVES-002