Dawn raid on Romford home in crackdown on east London drugs gang
Police raid. Picture: Ken Mears - Credit: Archant
A Romford home was one of those raided in a series of early morning busts that took out a whole tier of suspected senior gang members in one go on Thursday.
More than 200 Metropolitan Police officers raided 20 properties, arresting 17 suspected drug dealers between the ages of 18 and 43.
One of the premises for which a warrant was issued and executed was in Havering Road, Romford.
Police believe some of the targets are linked to the recent spate of violence in Newham.
“In recent months, gang-related crime has been responsible for a number of shootings and stabbings in the borough and this morning’s raids are part of our plan to bring the individuals responsible for this violence to justice,” said Chief Supt Ade Adelekan, Newham borough commander.
“I hope when people wake up today and see the number of addresses we have been to and the amount of people that are in custody, they are reassured that we are committed to ridding the streets of drug dealers,” he added over a cup of tea after the raids.
The Recorder accompanied officers on this morning’s raids, which police say are the culmination of almost a year’s work.
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Crews of around 20 specialist police units attended the addresses just after 5am.
All exits were sealed before the doors were smashed down and officers rushed inside, apprehending suspects before they had an opportunity to arm themselves or escape.
Significant amounts of drugs and cash were recovered, plus a gun. Suspects were arrested for a range of drug supply offences, plus one firearm offence.
The officers wore heavy-duty protective gear and carried shields fitted with tasers.
But according to Chief Supt Adelekan, the dealers “should be thankful it’s us coming to break the door down and not a rival gang member.”
At both addresses visited by the Recorder, police had dogs to contend with as well as suspects.
Detective Inspector Jim McKee, from the Trident Central Gangs Unit, said: “This proactive operation is part of Trident’s ongoing work to disrupt drug dealing operation in London, which blight communities across the capital.”
