Drugs raids hit homes across East London

THIRTEEN PEOPLE were arrested this morning, 17th April, as police raided 18 residential addresses in East London, Reading and Feltham. Police recovered a large quantity of Class A drugs as well as imitation firearms, offensive weapons and high value vehicles.

The twelve men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of various offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, conspiracy to rob, possession of offensive weapons, theft of motor vehicles, handling stolen goods and fraud.

The raids were staged as part of Operation Helicoif – an ongoing operation being run by the Metropolitan Police Trident and Area Crime Command to tackle violence and large scale drug dealing.

The raids in East London were conducted at:
•Whiston Road, E2
•Foxley Close, E8
•Ainsworth Road, Harrowgate Road, Iveagh Close, Kingshold Road, Palentine Road, Penshurst Road, Ryon Crescent, Templecombe Road, Victoria Park Road E9
•Chippenham Road, RM3

Detective Inspector Dave Williams from the Metropolitan Police Trident and Area Crime Command said: “Today’s warrants are part of an ongoing operation and commitment to target county lines across north and east London and the associated violence that is intrinsically linked to it.” He added that the Metropolitan Police are 100% committed to arresting and prosecuting those who peddle drugs, exploit young and vulnerable people, and those involved in criminality in all forms.”

Detective Superintendent Claire Crawley, from the Central East Basic Command Unit where a number of the raids were conducted, said: “We are aware of the concerns that members of the local community have in relation to the supply of drugs and I hope that today’s activities show that we are acting on them and committed to tackling drug dealing. Members of the local community are our eyes and ears on the ground, and we will do all we can to act on the information that is provided to us. The continued support of our local residents is essential to achieve these results and I would like to thank those in our community for providing us with ongoing support.”

•Members of the public can report information on crime to the police by phoning 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

•Read more about it:
East London gun-runner off the streets for life
Tower Hamlets drugs op: three more jailed