REDBRIDGE: £1.2m siezed during drugs raid

8:47am Friday 21st November 2008

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ADDRESSES in Redbridge were among those targeted in a drugs raid which resulted in 14 people being arrested.

Police seized £1.2million, more than 1050 kilos of skunk, two money counting machines and two safes during the operation, which targeted properties in Ilford as well as addresses across London and the Home Counties.

Police targeted a gang which was suspected of importing and distributing large amounts of cannabis.

The gang allegedly made £1million per week by importing cannabis from Holland, hidden in wholesale flower deliveries.

The gang allegedly used a fleet of delivery vans to deliver the drugs.

Det Insp Steve Wilkinson, of the Met's Special Intelligence Section, said: "Today's (Thursday) operation and arrests have been highly successful.

"These criminals have been living a lifestyle from the proceeds of crime and from today they are out of business. "We believe they have been operating for a number of years as a highly organised network, probably generating millions per year.

"We are dedicated to tackling organised criminal networks and bringing them to successful prosecution."

The 14 people are being held at a south London police station.

Police are continuing their enquiries.