SEVEN of the 13 people arrested during a 12-hour police raid operation have been charged with a variety of offences and the remaining six have been bailed pending further investigation.

Hillingdon police carried out raids at a licensed premises and residential addresses across Hillingdon on Wednesday night and Thursday morning as part of Operation Bear, which aims to crack down on drug activity.

The 13, who are aged between 20 and 40, were arrested at 15 addresses across Hillingdon, Hounslow, Ealing and Richmond on suspicion of drugs offences and handling stolen goods.

Following the execution of a drugs warrant, The Victoria, a strip club and pub in North Hyde Road, Hayes, has been closed by Hillingdon Council. Nine people were arrested there on Wednesday (May 14). A review is expected under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Turner who led the operation, said: "Today's actions are just one example of how we have powerfully acted on community concerns and intelligence relating to criminality. Since the start of this operation last year we have successfully secured the conviction of 18 individuals - some of whom are prolific offenders - who are now serving prison terms of approximately 50 years in combined total.

"These results have without question had an exceptionally positive impact on the every day lives of our communities."           

More than 200 officers from Hillingdon were supported by colleagues from pan-London units including the Territorial Support Group (TSG ), the Dog Support Unit (DSU), the Air Support Unit (ASU) and Trident.