A crackdown by police on drug dealers in South Lakeland started on Wednesday with a morning raid on a suspected drugs den in Windermere.

Ironically, two suspects were watching television coverage of Operation Clampdown at their home when plain clothed officers and members of the South Cumbria Drugs Squad and local uniformed officers smashes their way into the premises at 8.30am.

A warrant was executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act after intelligence was gathered at the address by police officers and members of the public.

Following a search of the premises and the two men, a quantity of heroin was recovered. The men were then questioned but later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

They were the first suspects to feel the sting of Operation Crackdown in South Lakeland a nationwide police operation which is part of the Rat on a Rat' campaign, where members of the public are encouraged to call the anonymous Crimestoppers number and shop dealers in their community.

The Gazette accompanied officers on the raid led by DC Mark Fitzgerald of the SCDS to see first hand how the police intended to target drug dealers in the region, in particular those peddling Class A drugs, by using information from the public over the coming months.

The message from police following Wednesday's raid, and the nationwide campaign, was that drug dealing blights communities and leads to other crimes, such as thefts and burglaries.

Windermere bobby, PC Keith Robson, said he sympathised with residents who suffered anti-social behaviour because of drug activity, but stressed that their cooperation was vital in helping bring about convictions.

"It often gets to a stage when people have had enough before coming forward, but they should not have to suffer at all," he said.

"With their cooperation we will put away drug dealers it's a matter of when, not if, we will catch up with them."

DS Barry Fitzgerald, of Kendal CID, said the raid had been a success and that further investigations were well under way.

He also issued a warning to anyone peddling drugs in South Lakeland.

"If you are dealing drugs then keep an eye on your door because we are planning many more raids over the next few months," he said.

A senior officer also attended the raid from South Lakes Housing, which owns the property and works closely with the police in such raids.

Head of housing services at SLH, Dave Stubbs, said the Windermere tenant could face eviction if convicted of an "immoral" or "illegal" offence.

"We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour and illegal activity at our properties and we will take firm action when necessary," he said.

Operation Crackdown will run until March, although Cumbria Police say it could be extended well beyond April.

Anyone who has information on drug dealing in their community is urged to call the free and confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800-555111.

Callers could also qualify for a cash reward if their information leads to a conviction.