Suspected heroin and crack cocaine dealers arrested in Southall
Fri 20 Dec 2013
The arrests were made by officers from the Ealing Council funded Safer Southall Problem Solving team as part of Operation Garstang. This operation has responsed to concerns from residents about drug-dealing in the area, with officers identifying and arresting the men during dawn raids and on-street swoops.
All have been charged with a total of 93 separate offences of supplying, or being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. To date nine offenders have been found guilty and between them been given over 25 years in prison sentences. A further four await sentencing, with the remaining seven awaiting trial in the new year. The officers are also tracing the whereabouts of several others wanted for similar offences.
Chief Inspector Colin Wingrove of Ealing Borough said: "This has been a sustained campaign by the MPS, led by Ealing officers, supported by Ealing Council to knock out the criminal markets in Southall."
"This latest arrest phase marks the culmination of several months of intensive targeting of Class A drug dealers in Southall, which in turn causes serious and violent crime in the area."
"Drug dealing on the streets of Southall or in any part of London can not and will not be tolerated. Our message is clear, if you are coming to Southall to buy or sell drugs, you need to know you will be targeted, you will be arrested, and you will be charged and put before the court."
"We will also be seeking to use Anti-Social Behaviour legislation to keep drug dealers out of the area so that local people feel safer."
"Southall is a unique and vibrant place. Significant regeneration work is underway to improve the streets and attract people to live, work, and study here. The MPS is committed to ensuring Southall is safe for residents, businesses and visitors alike to enjoy and be proud of."If you have a local news story, share it with the rest of Southall, by using the contact form.
