POLICE have raided five homes in south Oxfordshire as part of a week-long crackdown on drug use in the county.

The swoop, which began shortly after 6.30am yesterday, saw officers enter three homes in Wallingford.

The 24-strong team searched homes on the Blue Mountains estate, at Revel Close and St Nicholas Road.

A 21-year-old man, of Blue Mountains, was arrested on suspicion of cannabis possession, handing stolen goods and theft. He remained in custody last night.

Officers searched a firstfloor maisonette and found six mobile phones, a satellite navigation system and a laptop.

They also took photographs of a red mountain bike.

Sgt Fraser Weller, of Didcot police, said: “We have found property that we think might be linked with other offences and are investigating this possibility.

“There has been information that has been submitted to suggest there has been drug misuse here.

“Without the community support we would not be here. There are nice people around here. They don’t want this going on.”

No drugs were found at the other two addresses in the town.

The team continued its operation, which fell in National Tackling Drugs Week, at two other addresses – one in Berinsfield and one in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell at just before 10am.

A 30-year-old man, of Colne Drive, Berinsfield, was given an £80 fixed penalty notice for cannabis possession.

Officers also seized paraphanalia associated with drug use.

Det Sgt Frankie Jarvis, of Didcot police, said: “We are pleased with what we have found.”

No drugs were seized from the property in Greenmere, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

Sgt Steve Hockham, who coordinated the five raids, said: “It’s been a good team response from all the officers concerned and our partnership agencies have helped contribute to a fantastic day.”

Sgt Weller said: “We have carried out 17 warrants in two-and-a-half days. A lot of hard work and effort has been carried out.”