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WARREN - Law enforcement flexed its muscles Wednesday, as more than 100 officers from 13 agencies raided five homes as part of a crackdown on the drug trade.

The locations were each hit about 9:10 a.m., and in the afternoon, officers were on the streets in the northwest and southwest side neighborhoods, pulling over cars and knocking on doors in an attempt to let people know the police are serious, said Trumbull County Sheriff Thomas Altiere.

Altiere said the homes targeted Wednesday in ''Operation Reclamation'' mostly deal in heroin, with connections reaching as far as Detroit.

''We just want to let them know we don't want you here,'' Altiere said.

At least seven people were arrested in the raids.

Bowers said heroin has been making a comeback in the city and because Warren is so centrally located and the dealers set up shop here, the problem really affects the entire county.

Among the agencies involved: the Warren Police Department; Trumbull Ashtabula Group Law Enforcement Task Force; Trumbull County Sheriff's Office; Niles and Howland police departments; Trumbull County Adult Parole and Probation; the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Ohio State Highway Patrol; U.S. Marshals.

A press release from TAG said 600 bindles of heroin worth $15,000 were seized as well as 100 pills and small amounts of marijuana.

Five firearms, a crossbow, drug paraphernalia and three police scanners were also seized as well as $496 in cash, the release said.

Neighbors that ventured outside declined to comment, but representatives of some of the city's block watch groups in those neighborhoods said they were ecstatic with the heavy police presence and the message sent.

''I think it's wonderful that all the different agencies are working together to accomplish this,'' said Larry Dueber of the Northwest Warren Neighborhood Association.

Dueber said he is familiar with one of the homes and the neighborhood.

''That is one of the areas we patrol every night. It is a rough area,'' Dueber said. ''We are glad they are hitting them.''

Rhonda Bennett and Tina Milner, both of the Southwest Neighborhood Association and the group ACTION, said they think the Hot Spot Cards passed out by ACTION are helping and were a help in Wednesday's raids. The cards are given to residents who can fill them out and give them to an ACTION or block watch member, who can then give the card to the police. The cards allow residents to report crimes or criminal activity anonymously.

Bennett said in some neighborhoods, the drug dealers have a drive-up system in the houses they operate in.

''It's just like an open season for drug dealers,'' Bennett said.

Milner said the police have been helpful into checking complaints on the cards. She said there are over 2,000 cards in circulation in Mahoning and Trumbull counties that need turned in.

''I don't want this lifestyle that five percent of the people are doing affecting 95 percent of the people,'' Milner said.

Warren Councilman Bob Dean, D-at large, co-chair of council's Police and Fire Committee, said those arrested can take advantage of a free holiday meal, courtesy of the Trumbull County Jail.

''Thanksgiving in the county jail is not as good as your grandmother's,'' Dean said.

Warren police Chief Timothy Bowers said he was thankful for the help from other agencies. He also said that if needed, Wednesday's effort can be duplicated, and if his department is needed somewhere, all someone has to do is ask.

''I can do this again tomorrow,'' Bowers said.

jgorman@tribtoday.com