Police have arrested 20 people on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs during early morning raids at addresses in Macclesfield.

Police executed warrants at 20 Macclesfield properties at 6.30am today: Brocklehurst Avenue; Brynmore Drive; Sutton Close; Donagh Close; Cedar Grove; Buckfast Close; Wenlock Close; Kendal Road; Sanders Square; Stoneleigh Close; Hurdsfield Road; South Park; The Grange; Pennine Court; Bread Street; Parkgate Road; Robin Hood Avenue; Abbey Road; Greystoke Road.

A further eight properties were targeted elsewhere in Cheshire, Merseyside and Manchester as part of Operation Impact, which targets organised criminals and drugs supply.

More than 100 police officers met at a secret location in Macclesfield at 5.30am and had completed the raids by 7.30am in what was described as one of the largest operations undertaken by the force.

Chief Superintendent Andy Southcott said: “The corrosive effect that drug abuse and associated criminality has on our communities is well known, and this action this morning demonstrates our commitment to tackling those involved head-on.

“Cheshire Constabulary is determined to bring to justice those who continue to undermine our communities and bring misery to residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs.

“This sort of behaviour can have a major impact on local communities. It is an issue the Force takes extremely seriously and we devote all the resources we can to tracing those responsible and disrupting their behaviour.”

John Dwyer, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, who was with the Macclesfield Express on one of the raids in Macclesfield, said: “We’ve been out executing a number of warrants across Cheshire, Manchester and Merseyside dealing with an organised criminal group who have been supplying drugs across the three counties. This is a serious issue and you can see by the operation we’ve carried out this morning, how seriously we take it.

“Even a small force like Cheshire can step up to the plate and deal with these offenders in a positive way.

“I am determined to make Cheshire the safest place to live and work and the most inhospitable county in the country for those intent on criminal activity.”