Police spent three days stopping vehicles and people as part of an operation to tackle drug dealing in Watford.

Following concerns raised by the community about drug dealing in northern and western areas of the town, PC Connor Element planned a police response.

A team of officers from the Watford north and outer safer neighbourhood teams carried out a mixture of high visibility and undercover patrols over three days in suspected criminal hotspots.

The operation took place across various parts of the town, including Vicarage Road, The Harebreaks, the Meriden estate, and the Tudor estate.

As part of the operation, police say a 21-year-old man from Watford was arrested in Beechfield Rise on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

He was released on bail in relation to the driving offence and given a community resolution in relation to the possession of cannabis.

Twenty-five stop and searches took place while a Honda Civic was stopped and seized because police suspected it was a pool car being used by multiple people to commit crime.

Officers in Watford also took to social media this week after a vehicle was stopped in St Albans Road.

Inside the Mercedes they stopped, police say they found over £3,500 in cash, scales, burner mobile phones, and several bags of cannabis.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug and taken into police custody.

PC Connor Element, who organised and led the three-day operation, said: "We had received information via 'Echo' from residents who were understandably concerned about suspected drug dealing activity in their neighbourhoods.

"Everyone has the right to live in their home without fear of crime or anti-social behaviour, so after gathering as much information as possible I planned this operation to tackle the issue head on.

"We achieved some very positive results but we will not be resting on our laurels: we are planning future operations, so I want this to serve as a warning to those who choose to deal drugs in our town. We will catch up with you.

"I hope the residents in our communities are reassured that we are listening and we will take action where it’s needed.

"Please continue to use echo as a way to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/police-watford and tell us what you think."