MORE than 500 cannabis plants were seized in a series of drug raids across Bristol in Avon and Somerset police's latest crackdown.

Seven people were arrested as part of Operation Barrage, as more than 100 officers executed warrants throughout the city and recovered drugs with an estimated street value of at least £50,000.

Two cannabis factories were uncovered at Beverley Road, Horfield and Ladman Road, Stockwood where police seized more than 500 cannabis plants in total.

However, the day did not get off to the best of starts for the force, as it took a good five minutes to batter down the door at one of the first addresses, in Leinster Avenue, Knowle. Officers wearing body armour put several holes through the door with a battering ram before it finally gave way. But no drugs were found in the property and no arrests were made.

A rottweiler at the address had to be removed by a noose on a pole before the team could send in their own sniffer dog to search the property for drugs.

A subsequent raid, round the corner at Cavan Walk, proved more successful. Police discovered a sports bag left on top of a kitchen cabinet with about £800 worth of cannabis inside.

PC Sam Currey said: "We executed a warrant at an address in Knowle, which led us to a sports bag which had seven clear plastic bags inside.

"Each contained an ounce of cannabis flowering heads, which are worth quite a lot of money. Each bag would be worth between £50 and £150, so this bag is easily worth £600 and perhaps up to £800. The important thing to remember is that each bag could be split into £10 bags, so the value increases when it gets to street dealers."

One woman was arrested at the house.

PCSOs joined the officers on the raids, to hand out leaflets to neighbours and members of the public.

A passer-by, who witnessed the raid at Leinster Avenue while walking his daughter to school, praised the force's efforts.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said: "You've got a few people who spoil it for everyone else.

"Most people who live here are decent and hard working. This is a good place to live.

"I'm glad to see the police come to take action, the more they do this kind of thing the better. But then it's up to the courts to do more, which I don't think they are."

Superintendent Ian Wiley was in charge of the operation and stressed it was all about sending a message.

He said: "All of today's warrants came about thanks to information from the public, which shows that we not only listen to the concerns of local residents, but take action.

"Community intelligence is key to this type of operation and so, if you know of any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, please do keep letting us know. Operation Barrage is part of our ongoing commitment to tackle drug cultivation, drug dealing and drug use in the city as well as the knock on affect of acquisitive crime, such as theft, robbery and burglary.

"The day was very successful both in terms of the impact on the community and the amount of drugs taken off the streets.

"Our message is clear, drug dealing will not be tolerated in Bristol and those who break the law can expect to face the consequences. We will find you and we will bring you to justice. Although this morning's raid was in Knowle, we are also targeting the whole city, as there is no area untouched by this.

"This is part of a series of operations taking place over the next few weeks and months to send a message."

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their Safer Stronger Neighbourhood policing team on 0845 456 7000.