Seven people were arrested when police swooped on nine Borehamwood homes during dawn raids designed to strike fear into drug dealers across the region.

Suspected drug dealers in Borehamwood were targeted as part of the Metropolitan police's Operation Crackdown staged across parts of north west London and south Hertfordshire Operation Crackdown early on Thursday.

Drugs and cash to the value of around £40,000 were seized from a total of 59 homes -- which resulted in 31 arrests across the region.

Dectectives would not reveal the location of arrests in Borehamwood or what quantities of suspected drugs had been seized during the raids.

However, Detective Chief Inspector Sultan Taylor confirmed £6,000 worth of drugs and cash had been found in Barnet and Hertsmere division alone -- comprising Borehamwood, Bushey, Barnet, Potters Bar and Whetstone. That resulted in 13 people being arrested following raids on 14 homes.

He said charges likely to be faced by arrested suspects included the supply and possession of drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines, heroin, and handling stolen goods and burglary. Det Ch Insp Taylor said: "This will have a devastating impact on the supply of drugs in our area. I'm sure the message is already going out in north west London and Hertsmere."

He emphasised Operation Crackdown, the second joint initiative between the Metropolitan and Hertfordshire police forces, was still ongoing and drug dealers could not rest easy.

He said enforcement was only one of several strategies being employed by police together with other agencies to combat drug abuse in communities across north west London and Hertfordshire.

"Police are not just interested in enforcement. We are also trying to help people," he added.

He said his officers were pioneering a supported caution scheme, where those committing minor drug offences are referred to drugs workers.

If you would like to give police information about drug dealing in the boroughs of Hertsmere or Barnet, telephone Barnet police on 0181 733 5203. Alternatively, telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The number is free, confidential and you could be eligible for a reward.

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