15 suspected drug dealers across Hillingdon were arrested after police raided 20 houses in Uxbridge , West Drayton and Hayes .

Getwestlondon joined police on two of the dawn raids, which were part of a long term crackdown on drug dealing, violence and associated crime.

Officers from Hillingdon , supported by 200 colleagues from across the Met, including the Territorial Support Group, Dog Support Unit, and Trident, took part in the co-coordinated raids which began at 4:45am this morning (November 26).

Police have so far arrested 12 men and three women, between the ages of 17 and 48, on suspicion of supplying class A drugs and they remain in various west London police stations pending further enquiries.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Heritage Close, Cowley, and £10,000 was seized at an address in Yiewsley , where a 30-year-old man and 48 year-old woman were arrested.

“This morning's intensive operation is indicative of our commitment to protecting the public"

Superintendent Max Williams, who was at the dawn raids, said: "By targeting drug dealers we can make a real and long term difference in creating the safest environment for our communities.

“Drugs are a known generator for violence, anti social behaviour and acquisitive crime, and this cannot be ignored.

“Nobody should have to tolerate the annoyance of drug dealing in their area, and the fears and concerns it brings.”

Superintendent Williams told getwestlondon ahead of the raids that he hoped for 20 arrests as the police had already got “intelligence and evidence.”

He later added: “This morning's intensive operation is indicative of our commitment to protecting the public, and listening to and acting on community concerns and intelligence.

“Our aim is to disrupt and dismantle crime, and remind those intent on dealing drugs that we will locate them and help eliminate the misery they inflict on our communities."

In the last two years, Police in Hillingdon have carried out three similar intelligence-led operations to target criminal activity in the borough resulting in investigations, which have secured over 100 years in prison sentences being handed to those brought to justice.

In October 2013, 17 people were arrested following simultaneous raids at addresses in Hayes . Most of those charged were jailed for the supply of class A drugs.

In May 2014, officers carried out a series of raids at The Victoria Public house in North Hyde Road in Hayes and 14 residential addresses across West London.

Subsequently, seven people were charged in connection with drug offences, theft and anti-social behaviour and handed jail terms. Following this investigation, evidence was presented to Hillingdon Council regarding routine drug dealing and violence at The Victoria and the venue had it's licence revoked as a result.

“Positive change can only come from the voice of the community"

In July 2015, a series of dawn raids across the borough resulted in 20 people being brought before the courts, with 15 of them receiving custodial sentences totalling 41 years. Five further individuals are standing separate trials in the future.

Supt Williams continues: "Our drive to combat criminality is never stronger as we are continually moving forward in developing stronger and more effective tactics to stay one step ahead in our fight against crime.

“Positive change can only come from the voice of the community and I would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to speak out about crime, however big or small.

"Together with our partner agencies and the community, we are determined to stop offenders in their tracks and prevent another victim falling into their hands.

“Our message is clear; if you are intent on committing crime, you risk an early morning wake up call from our team and a future behind bars."