A MAN has been arrested after officers discovered a large amount of drugs had been imported into the UK.

The 37-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday 10 July after officers carried out a warrant in Tatworth, Chard.

Over several months class B drugs in excess of 10kgs were intercepted at airports across the UK and a warrant was obtained based on this intelligence.

He has now been released on bail after officers arrested him on suspicion of improper importation of goods - namely class B drugs into the United Kingdom and possession with intent to supply class B drugs, namely cannabis.

Officers from the Chard Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined by officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), cyber crime team and the drone unit from the Rural Crime Team to assist in the operation.

Among the items found in the search, officers came across what appeared to be a drug distribution outlet and seized a large amount of evidence relating to this.  The investigation is ongoing.

Neighbourhood Sgt Karen Pattison said: “There is no place for drugs in our communities. They can have a huge impact on both the individual involved in taking the drugs, but also their families and friends.

“Drug-related crime also has a significant impact on our communities and we will work with our partners to continue to clamp down on illegal drug use and dealing across our force area.”

Anybody with information or believe locally is involved in drug use or supply, please contact police either through the non-emergency number 101, online or via your local police station or Neighbourhood Policing Team.