THOUSANDS of pounds worth of crack cocaine was found in a Boscombe property after police received a tip-off from a member of the public.

Officers seized the drugs and the hunt is now on for the offenders as part of the ongoing Operation Dismantle, aimed at tackling drug-related crime across Dorset.

Forensic examination of the property is under way and police are also holding cash and drugs paraphernalia found at the property.

The discovery was one of a number of police operations carried out in recent days in the fight against illegal drugs and related offences.

Seven warrants have been executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act, resulting in the arrest of a 26-year-old Bournemouth man and four more from London aged 17, 18, 20 and 21.

The action was taken as a result of proactive police patrols in the area following the death of 21-year-old Londoner Reece James Menzies.

Reece, whose baby daughter was just two-months-old when he died, was killed in a flat at the junction of Sea Road and Roumelia Lane on Wednesday July 25.

Three men, aged 22, 24 and 33, all from London, have since been charged with murder.

Recent raids have also led to the arrest of three further suspects on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply after being stopped and searched in the area.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said the role of the community is important and urged members of the public to come forward with any information they think may be relevant.

And Boscombe Sergeant Billy Bulloch added: “This is part of the ongoing initiative taken by officers to tackle and disrupt the supply of controlled drugs in Bournemouth.

“It is not acceptable for drugs to be supplied in this or any other area of our community and I would ask anyone with any information to come forward and help us make your area safer.”

The public is asked to call Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.