Buses used in drugs raid

The buses were used to block the street

Police officers in double-decker buses have raided a row of shops in north London in an attempt to smash a suspected drugs ring.

About 250 officers took part in the raid on three premises in Station Terrace, Kensal Rise, north London.

What is believed to be heroin and crack cocaine have been seized and 31 arrests have been made.

Police said Operation Razor followed several months of surveillance work and intelligence gathering.

Police made a number of arrests

Detectives believe more than 20 drug dealers operate in the area.

Dressed in full riot gear, officers entered the area on two double-decker buses, using the vehicles to block each end of the street.

Dogs were used to sniff out drugs and a helicopter hovered overhead.

Detective Superintendant Glen Allison, who led the operation, told BBC London: "The message I'd give to the purveyors of drugs is that Brent has a zero-tolerance of drugs."

The area has a history of drug and gun-related violence.

Last November at the Cactus Bar, one of the premises raided, three masked men opened fire into the crowded restaurant, injuring five people.

'Clear message'

Last year a man was shot dead in his car nearby and in December 2000 two men survived a drive-by shooting near a school.

Brent councillor Lincoln Beswick said the operation had been a success.

"People had been complaining, and we've now dealt with that complaint.

"It's about a partnership with the police and the success here hopefully will send a clear message that there will be no dealing of drugs in Kensal Rise, in Harlesden or in Brent," he told BBC London.