DRUG users and dealers go to any lengths to hide illegal substances from police.

Sergeant Willie Glasgow, stationed at Chippenham, who led a raid on a flat in Binegar House, Calne, on Thursday, said: "I've been at raids when we've found drugs in cereal boxes, under the lid of paint tins and even in snake tanks.

"We look under the floor boards and carpets but it depends on information and the level of the search. With drugs we look under every nook and cranny."

One of the first priorities of police when they take part in a swoop is to ensure that none of the suspects tries to get rid of any drugs.

"You have to make sure they don't swallow or flush anything down the toilet," said Sgt Glasgow.

PC Cheri Wright, 25, stationed in Chippenham, who took part in one of the raids in Calne, said: "It's exciting because we don't know what to expect, you don't know what's going to be on the other side of the door.

"The first raid I went on I was nervous but once you have a little experience and have been on a couple it becomes easier. You know what you are supposed to do and everybody knows their jobs."

In one home raided on Thursday, a five-year-old boy and his drug addict mother were fast asleep when police burst in and at another a mother became hysterical when police told her they had come for her daughter.

Sgt Glasgow said: "Syringes and needles lying about are the main thing to be aware of on these kind of raids. But users who have children are very careful and make sure needles aren't left out. They love their kids very much, they just have a heroin habit."