AN Elstead man has been charged with the supply of class A drugs following a large scale police raid operation across Waverley and Guildford in the early hours of Monday.

Damien Warner, 19, of West Hill, was arrested at his home - one of 25 people arrested in raids at addresses also including Guildford, Ash and Compton, as part of Operation Zoom.

Addresses were also searched in Fleet, Slough, Knaphill and Basingstoke.

Mr Warner appeared at South West Magistrates Court this week charged with concern in the supply of class A drugs - an unusual charge which is generally used for people suspected of acting as a "middle man" in the supply of drugs.

A police spokesperson confirmed that around £500 worth of drugs were recovered from a number of properties.

Operation Zoom was carried out after intelligence sources identified a steady increase in the availability of crack cocaine in West Surrey

Following an undercover operation, police officers gathered substantial evidence against a number of known dealers.

Surrey Police worked closely with partner agencies following the operation, including Surrey drugs agencies SADAS and ACORN.

Two drug referral workers were present on the day of the operation with a fast track drugs treatment programme offered to all offenders brought into custody.

West Surrey Chief Superintendent Jerry Kirkby said on Tuesday: "Yesterday's operation showed the public that we are committed to disrupting drug markets and that we have the capability to rapidly develop local intelligence and stamp on drugs activity at an early stage."

West Surrey's Detective Chief Inspector John Boshier, who co-ordinated the investigation, added: "Yesterday we sent out a clear message to drug dealers in Waverley and Guildford and they will not be tolerated.

"By targeting the drug dealers, and taking them off the streets, we reduce the supply of illegal drugs and we reduce crime.

"There will always be those who will try to profit from others' misery. Surrey is the safest county in England and we will ensure that we remain the same.

"This outstandingly successful operation involved a great deal of professional work from highly courageous and dedicated officers.

"We had support from members of the local community in response to identified drugs problems."