by Alex Wellman Heroin, crack cocaine and a firearm were all recovered when 100 police officers raided homes of suspected untouchable criminals in one of the borough s estates. Cannabis was also found during the raids where 10 men were

by Alex Wellman

Heroin, crack cocaine and a firearm were all recovered when 100 police officers raided homes of suspected 'untouchable' criminals in one of the borough's estates.

Cannabis was also found during the raids where 10 men were arrested when officers from across the Metropolitan Police burst into 12 homes in Stonebridge Estate at 5am on Wednesday morning.

The stash was discovered in a number of the homes along with stolen property and a quantity of cash.

Detective Inspector Pete Wallis, Brent Police, said: "The law abiding people of the Stonebridge Estate and surrounding area have previously been blighted by drug dealers and associated criminal behaviour, the local community, police and our partners are committed to ensuring that the improvement in the area continues."

The raid was the conclusion of a three month undercover operation by Brent Police, codenamed Operation Ladon, targeting known drug dealers in the area.

DI Wallis added: "Operation Ladon is in direct response to intelligence provided by the local community through our Safer Neighbourhoods teams.

"The operation demonstrates that with the help and support of the community we can arrest those criminals who seem to think they are above the law.

"This morning's arrests result from a lengthy operation to target those who we believe are involved in serious drug-related criminal activity."

Officers from Brent Borough Tasking Unit, Borough Intelligence Unit and the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams were supported by the Territorial Support Group.

"This operation has focused on those who are seen as untouchable to local residents on the Stonebridge Estate," DI Wallis said.

He Added: "No one is untouchable - and we will continue to target prolific offenders involved in drug dealing and other criminality.

"We cannot allow people, perceived to be successful through their criminality, to have a negative impact on our communities; in particular young people.

"We would appeal for anyone with information about criminals operating in their communities to contact local police.

"The Safer Neighbourhoods teams who work closely with the local communities are engaging with key partners and residents to make the Stonebridge Estate a safer place for those who live and work in the local community."

Cllr Hayley Matthews, member for crime prevention and public safety, said: "I would like to commend Brent Police on another successful operation to remove violent drug dealers from our streets.

"I would also like to thank those community members who assisted in this operation by providing intelligence; their actions have made our streets safer.

"Crime in Brent will not be tolerated and I hope that this operation will send the message out to those involved that they will not get away with it."

alex.wellman@archant.co.uk