Police claim to have smashed a drug ring after arresting 10 people in Melbourne, including the alleged kingpin.

Police made the arrests during raids executed at 15 properties in Carlton, Tullamarine, Balwyn North and St Kilda on Monday night.

Residents near the Drummond Street, Carlton housing commission flats said police used heavy chainsaws to break into heavily fortified apartments, the Herald Sun reported.

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In excess of 150 police officers were involved in the operation.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Mercovich said the operation sent a “strong warning” to dealers across the city.

“The community is saying enough is enough,” Det Sen Sgt Mercovich said.

“We’re hearing what the community is telling us, and this is all about affecting long-term change.

“Tonight we have targeted a criminal syndicate which we believe is playing a key role behind drug use and volume crime within this facility and in Richmond.

“This is about tackling the core of the problem which will hopefully see a flow on affect in volume crime right across the inner city and beyond.

“Tonight’s co-ordinated raids send a clear message that Victoria Police will not tolerate drug dealing.”

More charges were expected to be laid as part of the raids, a police spokeswoman said.

A 51-year-old Tullamarine man, who police alleged was the syndicate boss, was charged with a number of drug and weapon offences – including traffick methylamphetamine, traffic cocaine, possess methylamphetamine, possess cocaine, prohibited person possess hand gun, possess ammunition and deal property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

The man was expected to appear at the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

– with ABC/AAP