DEAL in drugs and we will knock down your door, police have warned would-be pushers.

Eight arrests were made in dawn raids last Thursday as officers swooped on suspected dealers across the Staffordshire Moorlands.

And Detective Sergeant Andy Bland, who led the operation, has sent a stark warning to anyone thinking about dabbling in illegal narcotics.

"The message is quite clear – if you deal in drugs expect an early morning call from the police," he said.

Class A drugs, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, air weapons, cash, a CS gas cannister, computers and mobile phones were recovered as police co-ordinated a wide-scale crackdown on drug dealing.

Officers raised a flag outside each of the 17 properties searched in the area to show neighbours drug enforcement action was taking place.

In Leek, officers gathered at 7am and smashed down the front door of a property in Haregate Road.

A small amount of heroin was found and a man and woman, both aged 30, were arrested.

The pair were handcuffed and taken to Leek Police Station for further questioning.

They were later bailed while further inquiries took place.

Inspector Steve Maskrey, of Leek Police, said: "It was a highly successful operation but it does not end there.

"It is just one part of the operation to make our community safer."

Operation Nemesis also targeted properties in Tean and Queen Street, Cheadle.

A 29-year-old man was cautioned for possession of an illegal substance.

Inspector Neil Sherratt, of Cheadle Police, said: "We have always taken a strong stance against drugs because of the links with crime and anti-social behaviour."

The raids, which followed weeks of detailed investigation and planning, were executed by nearly 80 officers and the force's Tactical Support Team under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Police Community Support Officers have been distributing newsletters containing information and details about the raids.

Divisional commander Chief Superintendent Jon Drake said: "Our communities tell us they want to see positive and robust action against drug dealers and the criminal activity and anti-social behaviour it attracts.

"Operation Nemesis helps build the community's confidence in police and our partners by showing we clearly understand the issues that matter to people and that we are taking effective partnership action to tackle those concerns."