23 arrests in west London drugs raids

Police in west London led by Hounslow Crime Squad have carried out a series of raids as part of a long term crackdown on the supply of drugs, violence and associated crime.

Operation Buxton has seen officers carry out warrants at addresses across Hounslow and Hillingdon throughout yesterday and this morning, Thursday 23 February. 23 people have been arrested so far, with quantities of Class A drugs, Class B drugs & cash being seized.

Those arrested – 22 men and one woman, aged between 19 and 44 – remain in custody at west London police stations pending further enquiries.

The raids signal the penultimate phase of a long running operation by Hounslow borough police to target drug dealers operating in the area, along with associated offending such as knife crime, other violence, burglary, theft and anti-social behaviour.

More than 300 officers were involved in operation, led by Hounslow officers, with additional support provided by officers from the Territorial Support Group, the Met Task Force and surrounding boroughs.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Flanagan, Hounslow CID said: “Today’s operation is indicative of our commitment to keep Hounslow safe, and listen to and act on community concerns. We will continue to disrupt and dismantle crime, safeguard our community and locate and prosecute those people who inflict misery on them.

“By targeting drug dealing we can continue to have a positive and long term impact on related crimes such as knife crime, violent and acquisitive crime and on the quality of life of our communities.

“The support of our community is essential to achieve positive change and I would like to thank those in our community for providing that ongoing support to us. I hope they can see that our actions, in conjunction with the Local Authority, show we do act on their concerns.”