A TEAM of specialist drug enforcement officers raided three Greenock addresses yesterday morning - just days after local police smashed a near-£1m drugs factory in the town centre.

Both uniform and plain-clothed officers wearing protective stab vests smashed their way into three properties during dramatic scenes just before 11am.

Police arrived at two addresses on Devon Road as another team simultaneously arrived at an address in Greenock's west end as part of an intelligence-led operation, orchestrated by Chief Inspector Paul Cameron.

The swoops are the latest show of strength as police ramp up the war on dealers across Inverclyde.

They come after police bust a massive cannabis production in the former Poundstretcher building in West Blackhall Street on Friday.

Over 1,500 plants were found spread across three levels, alongside an array of hi-tech cultivation equipment. Three men aged 38, 30 and 21 were subsequently arrested, with the investigation continuing.

The Telegraph - invited to join yesterday's raids - watched as police used a battering ram to burst into the first of the Devon Road addresses.

The door was taken off its hinges as officers rushed inside to conduct a search of the property.

Another house two doors down, which had three occupants inside, was entered without force and the trio could be heard from the street shouting.

People from neighbouring properties spilled onto the street to watch the drama unfold as the teams, made up of both local and out of town officers, arrived in police vans and unmarked vehicles just minutes before the raids.

One male has been charged with possession of a controlled substance as a result of the operation, mounted after tip-offs from the public.

Ch Insp Cameron says he will always take public concern is 'very seriously'.

He told the Tele: "Police were acting on intelligence surrounding the ongoing drug war in Inverclyde.

"Whilst it may be disappointing we did not get what we expected, there is no denying we have had great success lately in getting drugs off our streets - with the recent shop discovery being one of our most significant victories."

Inverclyde's most senior police officer today urged anyone with information about potential drug operations to reach out.

He added: "A combination of good police work and public assistance has allowed us to successfully stop many drug operations locally.

"We will always take action when we are told about something, and I thank the public for their continued help.

"Acting on public concern and information is something we will always do."

To report information to Greenock police call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.