Seven arrested in huge police Meow Meow dawn raid across Oxford

More than 100 officers raided seven properties in the city under The Misuse of Drugs Act as part of Operation Raise to cut the supply of the drug Mephedrone, also known as Meow Meow or M-Kat.

Addresses in Blenheim Way, Danvers Road, Rowan Grove, Wilkins Road, The Oval, Werrell Drive and Corruna Crescent in Oxford were raided by police.

Another four properties were raided as part of the operation, in Margaret Road, Banbury; Hailey Road, Chipping Norton; Hulbert End, Aylesbury and Kennelworth Road, Middlesex.

Police said seven men aged 36, 27, 37, 39, 38, 48 and 30, all from Oxford, have been arrested on various drugs offences and are currently in custody.

Officers seized cash, cars and drugs and also discovered a cannabis farm at a property in Wilkins Road.

Det Chief Insp Darran Hill said: “Today’s arrests have been made as a result of a lengthy and complex investigation into conspiracy to supply significant quantities of controlled and dangerous drugs within our communities.

“Today we have arrested seven people and searched 11 addresses that have resulted in the seizure of large quantities of controlled drugs, money and assets. Those arrested are currently being interviewed at police stations in the Thames Valley Police area and we are working closely with the CPS with regard to the outcome of this activity.

“Our investigation is far from over and our action today demonstrates our absolute determination and commitment to tackle organised crime through arrest and seizure of criminal assets, and in doing so protecting our communities and vulnerable individuals within them from the harm that substances such as Mephedrone can cause.

“I realise that carrying out such warrants can be distressing for communities, so I thank the residents for their cooperation and patience while we carrying out our searches.”