A SUSPECTED drug dealer has been arrested following a raid in Malvern.

Police in Malvern executed a drugs warrant on Monday afternoon at a property at Yates Hay Road.

A 36-year-old-man from Malvern was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled substances. He remains in police custody.

Following information received, West Mercia Police sought the warrant in relation to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Officers searched the property and seized a small quantity of what is believed to be a controlled substance, possibly Fentanyl, which is an extremely potent sythetic opioid analygesic.

West Mercia Police Chief Inspector Jim Baker said: "Acting on information received, we have taken this proactive action to protect the Malvern area against the supply of Class A drugs.

"We would like to reassure the community that illegal drug use is a matter that we take very seriously and we are working hard to protect people from harm. I would encourage anyone who has information about drug related activities to contact us.

"Fentanyl is a new and particularly dangerous drug, similar to heroin but many times more potent which increases the risk of overdosing.

"We advise anyone from the drug-using community who thinks they may have been exposed to this drug or who is experiencing unexpected symptoms to seek urgent medical attention."

Anyone that has information about the supply of illegal substances can contact West Mercia Police by calling 101, or this information can be passed on anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Information on drug abuse is available by calling FRANK on 0300 123 6600 or by visiting their website www.talktofrank.com, which also gives details of local support services.