A TOTAL of 18 people were arrested during a two-day operation targeting drugs supply and possession across Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

The Gazette has already reported how seven arrests were made in the early part of Operation Rebus last week.

At the time, police said more were likely. Now they have revealed the final number of arrests made as the result of a lengthy intelligence-led investigation.

Detective Inspector Dominic Graham, who led the investigation, said: "This has been a very successful operation that we believe will have a major effect on the availability of drugs in this part of South Gloucestershire."

Police from the Avon and Somerset force executed a series of misuse of drugs warrants at properties in both towns.

They forced entry to homes and searched them for any evidence of class A and B drugs, including cocaine and cannabis.

Quantities of drugs, including what was believed to be cocaine, were seized along with cash, mobile phones and bank details.

The operation involved six months of planning and Detective Inspector Graham thanked those in the community who supported the police and offered vital information to them.