POLICE smashed a £250,000 drugs ring suspected of selling heroin on city centre streets.

The Evening Times joined the dawn swoop as more than 80 officers battered down doors of suspects across Glasgow.

We can exclusively reveal details of the operation, which has culminated in a series of dramatic dawn raids and 10 arrests.

The seven men and three women - aged between 21 and 47 - were arrested in connection with alleged drugs offences.

As part of Operation Futa, police seized heroin, cash and paraphernalia, during searches at nine properties.

Detective Inspector Frank Clarke, who lead Futa, said: "Through this operation, we have been targeting those who bring misery to our communities.

"Around 80 officers, acting under warrants, searched properties right across ­Glasgow, from Castlemilk to Barmulloch.

"This was an intelligence-led operation aimed at targeting a number of individuals in relation to 35 drugs ­offences in Glasgow city centre."

More than 80 cops gathered at Lochinch Police Club, in Pollok Country Park, for ­yesterday's 6am briefing.

The Evening Times joined officers, supported by British Transport Police, as they ­carried out a raid in Barmulloch.

Around a dozen officers - most were dressed in plain clothes - surrounded the three-storey flat in Birnie Road.

Four police vehicles ­manoeuvred into positions around the street.

Helmeted officers dressed in padded riot gear used a battering ram and hydraulic equipment to smash their way into the property.

Police carry out drug raids early in the morning to avoid the chance of alerting suspected dealers and prevent them disposing of drugs.

Three men were immediately apprehended while their giant Akita dog barked loudly and bounded towards officers.

Teams of investigators then moved inside the flat, where officers searched for any evidence relating to alleged crime.

Officers were also posted around the perimeter of the block of flats.

Following an extensive search, three men were led away in handcuffs.

All 10 suspects, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been hit with more than 30 charges between them.

Area Commander for Glasgow city centre, Alan Porte, issued a stark warning to those committing drugs crimes.

He said: "This isn't over. If you come into Glasgow city centre to sell drugs, we will catch you, arrest you, and you will spend a long time in jail.

"We will continue to arrest those involved in committing drug-related offences."

The alleged offences are understood to have taken place near Glasgow Central Station.

Detective Chief Inspector David Gray, from BTP, said: "Glasgow Central Station ­remains a low crime environment.

"Successful operations like this go a long way to reinforcing the message that police will not tolerate crime."

A team of specially deployed detectives scrutinised the activities of suspects, while carrying out intelligence operations. The operation is believed to have taken months of planning.

The seven men and three women are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday.

High-visibility patrols will now be stepped up in the city centre in a bid to reassure members of the public and businesses.

Senior investigating officers said they wanted to clear drugs off the city's street and make life better for Glasgow communities.

DI Clarke urged anyone concerned about drug dealing to contact the police immediately.

He added: "Information from the community is vital to Police Scotland in tackling drug-related crime.

"And working with our partners, including British Transport Police, is also ­essential to a successful ­operation like this.

"We are always keen to hear from anyone who has any information about this kind of activity to get in touch with us.

"I would urge members of the public to continue to come forward with any information or concerns in their local area."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk