Seven people were arrested in morning raids by police launching a new, six-month campaign to disrupt drug dealers.

Operation Odin saw 50 officers raid 10 homes across the borough yesterday, including in New Malden, Tolworth and on the Cambridge Road estate.

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The remains of a door. No arrests were made at this flat.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Moxon, head of Kingston CID, said Kingston was a big market for dealers from outside the borough.

She said: "From today we've got a drugs strategy really to run for the next three to six months. We will use whatever methods we need to to try to limit damage caused by drugs.

"Because we've got a big night-time economy we can have several thousand people in the town centre at any one time. It automatically attracts people to come into the borough to supply drugs of all different varieties."

Drug-dealing is the main driver behind much anti-social behaviour, violence and criminal damage, she added.

Arrests will be used to gather intelligence for use further down the line.

Tip-offs from the public are still key, DCI Moxon said.

She added: "Crimestoppers is really important for us. We get a lot of reporting online and by phone. It can be the icing on the cake that we need."

 

Arrests

  • A 22-year-old man from Kingston was arrested on suspicion with intent to supply class A drugs and cultivation of class B drugs.
  • A 21-year-old man from Kingston was arrested for possession with intent to supply class B drugs as well as being wanted for domestic assault and breaching his bail conditions.
  • A 20-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion to supply class A drugs
  • A 32-year-old man from Kingston was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs. He admitted possession and received a caution.
  • A 45-year-old man from Kingston was arrested for possession of class B drugs.
  • A 47-year-old woman from Surbiton was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs. She has been bailed pending further enquiries.
  • A 35-year-old man from Tolworth received a cannabis warning.