POLICE using battering rams smashed into the homes of suspects in a series of raids aimed at targeting serious and organised crime.

The operation, part of a Glasgow-wide crackdown on crime, involved properties in Bridgeton and Parkhead.

It followed months of intelligence gather-ing and planning in an attempt to disrupt the activity of organised criminal gangs.

The surge in activity is part of latest phase of Operation Myriad, a campaign which aims to target organised criminal gangs, violent thugs and anti-social behaviour.

Each day, officers will focus on a different area of Glasgow.

Police said during the first two days of the operation – in Maryhill, Bridgeton and Park-head – that drugs worth around £10,000 have been seized.

Superintendent Brian McInulty, who leads the operation, said: "We are totally committed to disrupt-ing the activities and lifestyles of those involved in crime."

The Evening Times was given exclusive access and joined around 20 officers for the latest operation.

CID and uniformed officers assembled at London Road police office at 7am before being split into teams and setting off in unmarked cars to various addresses.

Plain-clothed and uniformed officers used a battering ram to force their way into a property, in a block of flats, in London Road.

Officers then rushed into the home, and after an extensive search, recovered what was believed to be cannabis resin.

Police said a 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with alleged drugs offences.

At the same time, dozens of officers were ramming in doors across the East End.

A 31-year-old man, from Bridgeton, was also arrested in connection with alleged drugs offences.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with alleged assaults.

All three men arrested were expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

The raids were part of a two-week period of intense activity. Police said the operation aimed to send a strong message to those involved in serious and organised crime.

The latest phase of Myriad, which began this week, was the first to be carried out since the switch to a single police force.

Superintendent McInulty, added: "Previously, Operation Myriad was a huge success, and that is why we have brought it back. We want to get the message out there to the community.

"People will notice increased activity in their area and we hope they can approach officers with concerns.

"Ultimately, our main objective is to keep people safe."

In November last year, we revealed more than 200 people were arrested or reported to procurators fiscal for drugs offences during the first surge of Operation Myriad.

Officers targeted suspected criminals in a series of intelligence-led operations across the north and north east of Glasgow, and East Dunbartonshire.

Heroin, cannabis and cocaine were recovered. During the four-week campaign, officers also recovered £310,897 Under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A total of 3758 people were charged for anti-social behaviour, violent crime and traffic offences.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk