Cops seize drugs and a gun in raids across Harlesden

Crack cocaine, heroin and a firearm were seized by cops yesterday in a series of raids on addresses across Brent, writes Kate Ferguson.

Around 20 arrests were made after officers swooped on suspected drug dealers in coordinated hits on homes which began at 6am and lasted until 1am.

Officers said the raids sent a clear message that drug dealing would not be tolerated.

Superintendent Mike Hill, who headed up the operation, said: "The raids have been very successful.

"They send out a message that we do not tolerate drug dealing, and lets people know we are targeting those who are causing trouble in the community.

"These raids do have an impact on dealing in the area, but we cannot afford to walk away from it. We have got to keep on looking again and if more information comes in we will be back here.

"It is a matter of targeting consistently."

Supt Hill said the overwhelming majority of residents were fed up with drug dealers on their street, and supported the raids.

He said: "There are a lot of people out there who would like us to do this more often, especially if you happen to live next door to these dealers.

He added that Brent police plan to launch further coordinated hits every couple of months to 'send a clear message that dealing is not tolerated'.

The raids were the culmination of several months of intelligence gathering, and two to three days surveillance work.

Officers said they were not explicitly targeting gangs, but that drug dealing did form a crucial part of gang, and they could not discount possible links.

Supt Hill said: "In Harlesden there are a lot of gangs and drugs are an integral part of gang culture and gang life."

Two dogs were recovered at one address in Station Road, Harlesden - a pit-bull mix and a Labrador Rottweiler cross. Neither was considered to be dangerous.