MORE than 180 police officers raided 24 properties across Oxfordshire this morning to crack a major criminal gang supplying drugs.

In one of Thames Valley Police's biggest ever operations, 10 homes in Oxford, two in Abingdon and 11 in London were targeted by officers simultaneously at about 6.30am.

A total of 22 people arrested as part of a year-long investigation into heroin and crack cocaine supply are currently being quizzed by detectives on suspicion of drugs offences. 

Detective Superintendent Gill Wootton told the Oxford Mail the aim of the dawn raids, named Operation Spires, was to 'disrupt' and 'dismantle' drug gangs which are 'terrorising' communities.

She added the force would make the city a 'hostile' environment for drug lords.

The head of specialist operations for TVP said: "I'm really pleased with all the work that has been done by my own serious organised crime unit and also the officers and staff. 

"This was a really important operation for Thames Valley Police. It's one of the bigger operations we have done in recent months.

"It's absolutely around dealing with organised criminality that is targeting vulnerable people in our communities."

One of the dawn raids in Hurst Street, East Oxford

Officers used specialist hydraulic equipment to smash doors open as teams swooped into homes to make arrests and gather further evidence.

Copse Lane in Northway, Henry Taunt Close in Barton, Hurst Street and Cumberland Road in East Oxford, and Elder Way and Dunnock Way in Greater Leys were some of the properties raided.

Elsewhere warrants were executed at homes in Rymers Lane Cowley, Beckett Street off Frideswide Square, Medhurst Way in Littlemore and Dene Road in Lye Valley.

In Abingdon, houses in Austen Place and Bath Street were raided.

Officers gathered at Abingdon Police Station from 4.30am for a briefing on the operation by Detective Chief Superintendent Christian Bunt.

Detectives said London gangs were sending drug 'runners' into Oxford to supply and exploit vulnerable people by using their homes as places to deal drugs from.

The force also launched its campaign, called Stronghold, to tackle organised crime yesterday.

Chief Inspector Marc Tarbit said the raids would make a 'significant impact' on the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in the city.

The deputy LPA commander added: "We will bring the full weight of our resources and expertise to make it extremely difficult for people to commit that kind of criminality in Oxford.

"We will have high profile patrols giving out reassurance and information to the public following the resolution and arrests.

"We need to look after those vulnerable people and make Oxford much more resistant to drug dealing.

"We would advise any members of the public that have any concerns as a result of these warrants to please speak to one of the Neighbourhood Policing team or call 101."

Suspects are currently being questioned by police, and no charges have yet been made.

The following arrests have been made:

  • A 26-year-old man of Elder Way, Greater Leys, Oxford.
  • A 29-year-old man of Bath Street, Abingdon and a 41-year-old woman from Bath Street, Abingdon.
  • A 33-year-old woman of Henry Taunt Close, Barton.
  • A 32-year-old man, a 30-year-old man and a 76-year-old man of Hurst Street, East Oxford.
  • A 40-year-old man of Rymers Lane, Cowley.
  • A 32-year-old man of Dunnock Way, Greater Leys.
  • A 26-year-old man of Dene Road, Lye Valley.
  • A 26-year-old man of Woodstock Avenue, Southall, London.
  • Two 21-year-old men of Earlom House, Islington.
  • A 26-year-old man of Medhurst Way, Littlemore.
  • A 40-year-old man of Cumberland Road, East Oxford.
  • A 23-year-old woman of Elder Way, Greater Leys.
  • A 27-year-old woman of Willow Brook, Abingdon.
  • A 23-year-old man of Roma Road, Ilford, London.
  • A 37-year-old man of Salesian Gardens, Cowley.
  • A 26-year-old man from Roma Road, Ilford, London.
  • A 27-year-old male of no fixed address.
  • A 24-year-old man of Mayfield Road, Dagenham