The men and women were arrested as part of Operation Barbel, which saw police using covert methods to identify people suspected of dealing class A drugs.

Dedicated search teams executed more than 20 search warrants sworn under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and more than 15 people were arrested, with raids carried out in the early morning while most of the suspects were still in bed.

Charges included the production and supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

DS Chris Davison, of Spalding CID, who is co-ordinating the prosecution of the suspects, added: "I hope this sends a clear signal to drug dealers who ply their despicable trade in Spalding that Lincolnshire Police will pursue them and shut them down.

"Spalding Police takes a zero tolerance approach to drug-dealing, and with the help and assistance of the community we can strive to make our community safer and drug free."

Police are working to stem the route of drugs into the town and will continue to work on any information provided by the public to deny drug dealers trade in the Spalding area.

Officers want to hear from anyone with information about suspicious activity and are urging anyone with information on drugs and drug dealing to be passed to Lincolnshire Police on 01775 722233 anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Those charged and remanded in custody pending committal:

Jason Exton (31), of Stennett Avenue, Spalding – supplying heroin and eight counts of possessing heroin.

Jonathan Kendrick (27), of Pinchbeck Road, Spalding – six counts of supplying heroin.

Ben Harvey (25), of Edwina Avenue, Pinchbeck – offering heroin and four counts of supplying heroin.

Greig Parkin (29), of Jubilee Close, Spalding – concerned in the supply of heroin and three counts of supplying heroin.

Keith Ward (41), of Landsdowne Court, Spalding – supplying heroin and concerned in the supply of heroin;

Kevin Lewis (42), of Landsdowne Court, Spalding – supplying heroin, three counts of offering heroin and three counts of concerned in offer to supply heroin;

Jorge Ferreira (31), of Royce Road, Spalding – supplying heroin, possessing heroin and possessing diazepam;

Fernando Carvalho (35), of Queens Road, Spalding – three counts of supplying heroin, two counts of concerned in the supply of heroin and two counts of supplying crack cocaine;

David Andrew (36), of West Parade, Spalding – supplying heroin, producing cannabis, offering crack cocaine, supplying crack cocaine and allowing premises to be used for the production of crack cocaine;

Stuart Grogan (25), of Rowan Avenue, Spalding – supplying heroin.

Debbie Ward (45), of Landsdowne Court, Spalding, has been charged with supplying heroin and has been bailed to appear at Spalding Magistrates' Court today.

Christopher Lyon (24), of Town Farm Close, Pinchbeck, has been charged with producing crack cocaine, possessing cannabis and supplying crack cocaine.

Andrew Koune (32), of Welbeck Drive, charged with supplying heroin and concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.
Both men have been bailed by magistrates pending committal.