a major success resulting in 24 arrests in just five days.

In a joint initiative between many Police units, a number of properties in the central and north Hamilton areas have been raided.

A Police spokesman last night said that between Tuesday and Saturday of last week, officers arrested 24 people on suspicion of a variety of offences, including drug offences, violence, theft and obstruction.

And several quantities of drugs have also been seized and are now being tested.

He said: "This is a crackdown on the central districts regarding problem areas where we have had complaints or we know problems exist with violence or drug behaviour, or any problems that members of the public have identified.

"There have been 24 arrests so far. They are now being processed and we expect court appearances soon.

"And the units are going to be continuing with the crackdown for a while longer yet.'' The Royal Gazette reported on Friday how buildings in and around the Court and North street areas had been searched on Thursday evening, when arrests and drug seizures were also made.

The campaign is a joint initiative between members of the central uniformed division, narcotics street team, the cycle crime unit, canine unit and the major incident room.