MORE than 100 police officers carried out raids at addresses in the Banbury area as part of a major crackdown on 'county lines' drug dealing.

Thames Valley Police arrested 16 people for offences including being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin during the operation today.

Officers raided eight houses in Banbury, one in Milton Keynes and another in Bedford.

During the operation named Operation Roebuck, and part of the ongoing Stronghold campaign, officers said they have so far found and seized £10,000 in cash, around 700 wraps of class A drugs, one stun gun, several stolen items and several knives.

The force added it had also safeguarded a number of vulnerable adults and children.

LPA Commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire Superintendent Mark Johns, said: “We will not tolerate those who seek to deal drugs across “County Lines” into Banbury.

“Gangs are coming into Banbury and forcing young and vulnerable people into a life of crime dealing drugs, through fear.

 “This operation which is part of our Stronghold campaign, has seen our officers making a number of arrests to stop those who are seeking to deal drugs across so called “County Lines”.

Anybody with information that could assist police with the campaign should contact 101.