MORE than 200 police officers ­yesterday (Wednesday) swooped on suspected class A drug dealers in a dramatic rush-hour operation.

Officers from Camden police, the Territorial Support Group (TSG) and the dog squad, backed by helicopter support overhead, took part in the operation at 5pm around a complex of concrete football and basketball pitches on the Queen’s Crescent estate.

Borough Commander John Sutherland and Camden’s Community ­Safety boss Councillor Abdul Hai joined officers in the raid which took place in response to recent gang ­violence, including a fatal stabbing.

At the time of going to press last night, 12 men had been arrested on suspicion of offences including ­conspiracy to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to rob, possession of cannabis, making threats to kill and money laundering. 

Follow-up raids of suspects’ homes continued into the evening. 

Chief Supt Sutherland said: “This is about reclaiming the neighbourhood for the vast majority of law-abiding people who live and work here.”

Published: 21 July 2011
by JOSIE HINTON