Fifteen held as police raids target drug havens

Fifteen men were being held by police today following a series of raids on business premises suspected of being havens for drug dealers.

Caf鳬 shops and a snooker hall were among the 10 addresses targeted in Hackney as part of Operation Lacoste.

About 400 officers took part in the raids on premises which i nc luded Turkish and Caribbean-owned businesses.

Ten rocks of crack cocaine, half an ounce of heroin, 30 wraps of cannabis, ?600 cash and power tools were among the items seized.

Earlier this month, as part of the same operation, police intercepted 50 stun guns, 38 imitation firearms and ?7,000 in cash.

Chief Supt Simon Pountain, borough commander of Hackney police, said: "It is about sending a message to the people in the community.

"We are prepared to do things for them to decrease the number of these businesses which feel they are untouchable by the police and a haven for people to use drugs and stolen goods."

A further five men were arrested yesterday as part of Operation Lacoste for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Another man was arrested for possession of a stolen credit card.

Three others were arrested for firearms offences related to the stun gun seizure on 2 July.