Thirteen people arrested across the borough following dawn raids

Large quantities of cocaine and cannabis have been seized following a dawn raid in Stonebridge.

Around 50 cannabis plants and 19 rocks of crack cocaine were found as officers swooped on the address earlier today, arresting 3 people.

The raids, which form part of Operation Hawk, a clampdown on drug use and drug dealing, yielded 13 arrests across the borough.

Last week, the Times reported that police and safer neighbourhood teams were seeking residents’ help in identifying potential drug dealers.

As well raiding properties, officers will also be testing for drugs on surfaces at pubs and clubs, making visits to pharmacies to check for any under the counter prescribing and positioning drugs dogs at transport hubs.

Commander Mak Chishty, Metropolitan Police Service’s operational lead for Operation Hawk, said: “Drug dealing damages communities. It generates crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“The MPS is determined to tackle this issue head on by bringing together our resources to reclaim and help repair areas affected by drug dealing.

“With your help we can make your local neighbourhood safer. You make the call, we’ll make it stop.”

As information about local drug dealing comes in, local officers will seek to verify it, and take appropriate action as quickly as possible.

When action has been taken, local police will inform local communities know what is being done to help rid communities of drug dealers.