Officers joined forces with Preston Council as part of a two-week operation that aims to regenerate an area of the city.

Several homes were being raided on the Howarth Road Estate in Ashton, from 0730 GMT.

Four bags of what is believed to be heroin were recovered.

Graffiti removal

The raids, part of Operation Nimrod, were observed by local councillors and video recordings of the raids were expected to be seen later by members of the public.

Officers were also accompanied by housing department staff to begin securing uninhabited buildings, removing graffiti, and disposing of street rubbish.

Community police officers also distributed leaflets to residents encouraging them to pass on any information about drug dealing.

Residents have also been asked to give their views on how living conditions on the estate can be improved.