Six people have been arrested in an early morning police raid in the Deepdale area of Pembroke, in which unspecified drugs and paraphernalia were also netted.

Yesterday’s swoop employed significantly more officers than normal, signalling a new tactic by police as members of the Community Action Team (CAT) called on nearby homes to inform residents.

Between 30 and 40 officers descended on the area and its surroundings, with many there to inform neighbours of their business.

Meanwhile, police executed “multiple search warrants” along the densely populated road, according to Acting Assistant Commissioner James Howard. Four men were arrested in the raid, along with a woman and a male juvenile.

“Investigations are continuing and the arrested persons are expected to be brought before the courts in the near future,” Mr Howard said, apologising to area residents inconvenienced by the operation.

In a break from the previous custom of door-knocking in the aftermath of a major operation, police henceforth aim to inform the public at “the exact same time”, he added.

Asked if online rumours had contributed to the policy switch, Mr Howard said that social media “in some cases has helped, but in others does hinder”.

Urging members of the public to report suspicious activity to police, Mr Howard hailed the operation as an example of collaboration with the community.

“If people see something, say something,” he said. “This was the result of people seeing and saying.”

Pamphlets were placed in postboxes throughout the area, he said, signalling that the “Central Community Action Team is committed to working with the residents of Deepdale Road East to improve their neighbourhood”.

CAT officers plan to tackle graffiti on the walls along Deepdale Road East, in tandem with “external community partners”.

Anyone with information on the possession and sale of drugs can contact police at 295-0011, or the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.

Editor’s note: On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on what we consider to be a controversial or contentious story. As we are legally liable for any defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.