Operation to disrupt property used for drug-taking

13 people  have been arrested in Acton this morning following a proactive operation to disrupt a property used for drug-taking.

Officers entered the premises in Alfred Road at 1:00am on a search warrant, following concerns raised by the local community about activity there.

A quantity of cocaine and heroin was recovered, along with items suspected of being stolen goods and a small quantity of cash.

Nine people were arrested in the property for possession of drugs and handling stolen goods.

A further four people were arrested in the vicinity of the flat for drug possession.

All those arrested are currently in custody at a West London police station.

Sergeant Ben Coogan from the Pro-active Burglary Unit said:

"This is a good example of where we have been able to act on the concerns of the community. We received information regarding this address and were able to identify that it was being used in connection with drug use. This was having a detrimental effect on the lives of those living near-by and we will now consider what we can do to ensure the problem doesn't return."

One local resident we spoke to told us:

"There has been an increase in activity over the last six months with a lot of wasted looking people on the road. 

“Lots of the neighbours have been aware of the situation and we are just very pleased that the police have acted so quickly. I hope that we can now return to being a peaceful and safe community.”

September 16, 2010