Police mounted Operation Corrode to target 35 suspected drug dealers across the town. Officers swooped on properties in Greasbrough, Herringthorpe, Clifton and Moorgate.

Police also patrolled the areas on foot, reassuring locals and offering help to addicts.

The operation, which will continue for the next two weeks, is being described as one of the biggest of its kind ever held in Rotherham.

Supt Keith Lumley said: "We want to rip the heart out of the drugs industry. It is important to get the dealers off the streets and to reassure the pubic we are taking action.

"The community have told us there is a problem. We have listened and we are now sorting it out. It is not a case of Rotherham having a big drugs problem, it is a case of the police responding to community concerns.

"We have had an excellent start and by the end of the operation 35 people will have had their lives turned upside down. This is one of the largest police operations of its kind in Rotherham."

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