A SERIES of dawn raids by police offiers led to 22 arrests and the dismantling of a network of drug dealers in East Surrey.
This morning, following months of gathering intel and planning, police raided properties andarrested 22 people on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Operation Beet involved approximately 270 officers and was conducted at more than 30 properties in Redhill, Horley and London.For an exclusive report and photos from the raids see Thursday's paper
The operation was mounted after Surrey Police received intelligence suggesting that drug dealers were supplying class A drugs from various addresses.
Officers from across the Force, including detectives, dog handlers, search teams, police support units and rapid entry teams were involved in the execution of the warrants.
Those arrested are currently in police custody and will be interviewed throughout the day.
Superintendent Jerry Westerman, said: "Operation Beet has yet again shown how successful Surrey Police is in identifying and dismantling suspected networks of drug dealers who attempt to supply illegal substances in our county.
"It is widely accepted that class A drug abuse destroys communities. Not only are those dependent on drugs harming themselves but anyone who has been a victim of a crime as a result of a user needing to fund their habit are also affected.
"Although the majority of the warrants executed this morning were in the borough of Reigate and Banstead, we also identified the need to target suspected dealers at addresses in London. This sends out a stark warning to anyone thinking of coming into Surrey intent on committing offences that we can, and will, put an end to the misery caused by drugs."
Following the raids officers from the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team will provide a high visibility presence in the communities affected by the raids this morning to assist members of the community and reassure them.
One person was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug and another person on suspicion of firearms offences. They also remain in police custody at this time.
Call police on 101 with information.
