POLICE have raided three properties in the city this morning in connection with suspected drugs offences.

Officers arrested a 45-year-old man at an address in Broom Street in Northwood, shortly before 8am.

A 28-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were arrested in another raid in St Michael's Road, in Chell while a 50-year-old man was arrested following a raid in Balfour St, Hanley.

Those arrested will be questioned in connection with a number of drugs and drug dealing offences today.

The raids were carried out as part of Operation Nemesis, Staffordshire Police's long-running campaign to tackle drug dealers.

Police are also looking for a man in connection with the seizure of a quantity of cocaine.

Officers on patrol in Rutland Street, Hanley, discovered a suspicious package hidden under a parked car last night. It is believed the package contained cocaine with an estimated street value of around £8,000.

Detectives in Stoke-on-Trent CID want to speak to a white male, in his early thirties, who is around 6ft 3in tall. The suspect was seen to leave the area prior to the discovery of the package.

Anyone with information about this incident, or any other information about the supply of drugs, can call police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Story filed in: Operation Nemesis | Staffordshire Police | News