Police found what is believed to be more than £2 million worth of cocaine after stopping a car during a planned operation in south London yesterday.

Police say they acted to foil an attempt to rob alleged drug dealers.

The silver Mitsubishi Galant, containing five people, was pulled over about 3.30pm in south Croydon, by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Command unit (SCD7) of the Metropolitan police.

Police had used Hatton rounds to deflate the tyres of the car, and arrested four men at the scene.

A fifth man was caught later after escaping.

No other shots were fired and no-one was seriously injured, police said.

The arrests were made on suspicions the group were planning to steal Class A drugs from alleged dealers.

Police recovered what they described as "a substantial quantity of what is believed to be cocaine" from the car.

"It awaits analysis but - if proven to be Class A drugs - its estimated street value may exceed £2 million," a police statement said.

All five men were taken to southeast London police stations.

Detective Supt Roger Critchell of SCD7 said: "This has proved to be a major success in our continuing fight against drug-related violent crime.

"We urge anyone with information that could help us in this arena to come forward. If you wish to remain anonymous you may always call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111."

May 30, 2003 09:30