Dawn raids end with 15 arrests for drug crimes

Police swoop on suspected dealers

FIFTEEN suspected drug dealers were arrested after police raided homes in Uxbridge, West Drayton and Hayes.

Officers from Hillingdon , supported by 200 colleagues from across the Met, including the territorial support group, dog support unit, and Trident, launched cocoordinated raids at 4.45am on Thursday, November 26.

They arrested a dozen men and three women, aged 17 to 48, on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.

A man aged 30 and woman aged 48 were arrested at an address in Yiewsley where £10,000 was seized.

Superintendent

Max Williams said: “By targeting drug dealers we can make a real and long term difference in creating the safest environment for our communities.

“Drugs are a known generator for violence, antisocial behaviour and acquisitive crime, and this cannot be ignored.

“Our aim is to disrupt and dismantle crime, and remind those intent on dealing drugs that we will locate them and help eliminate the misery they inflict on our communities.”

Police have carried out three similar intelligenceled operations in the last two years.

In October 2013, 17 were arrested in Hayes and most were charged were jailed for the supply of class A drugs.

In May 2014, officers raided The Victoria pub in North Hyde Road in Hayes and 14 residential addresses across West London.

Seven were charged in connection with drug offences, theft and antisocial behaviour and handed jail terms and the pub had its licence revoked.

In July this year, a swoop netted 20 suspects, with 15 of them receiving custodial sentences totalling 41 years. Five further individuals are standing separate trials in the future.

Supt Williams added: “Our drive to combat criminality is never stronger as we are continually moving forward in developing stronger and more effective tactics to stay one step ahead in our fight against crime.

“Positive change can only come from the voice of the community and I would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to speak out about crime, however big or small.

“Our message is clear; if you are intent on committing crime, you risk an early morning wake up call from our team and a future behind bars.”