Seven people were arrested in the first of a planned series of swoops on drug dealers in Mid Sussex.

Most were suspected of supplying crack cocaine and heroin.

Police used 16 search warrants in Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath.

More than 140 officers, backed by specialist units including a dog team, took part in the raids which followed a period of intense intelligence gathering.

The operation is part of a force-wide response to dealing with the spiralling crack cocaine problem in Sussex.

Superintendent Mark Streater said: "The day was certainly a significant success.

"This operation is intended to send a very clear message to dealers that the supply of hard drugs will not be tolerated in Mid Sussex "We want to improve confidence and reassure communities that we are tackling this threat.

"Drug abuse causes misery, not just for the addicts themselves but for law-abiding citizens who are affected by acquisitive crime such as burglary, car crime and robbery to sustain users' habits."

Mr Streater said it was too early to reveal the exact quantity of drugs seized.

The arrested suspects were today being quizzed about the finds.

He said: "We know from bitter experience from other parts of the country that the supply of crack cocaine and heroin is a real threat to crime and order.

"The routes into Sussex are predominantly from London and the airports with most going to the seaside towns such as Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

"From there it filters out into other areas such as Mid Sussex."

Mr Streater added the operation was the first of many to crack down on drugs.

He said: "People who deal in these sorts of drugs can rest assured Sussex Police will come after them with dogged determination."