Carshalton: Around 100 police officers swooped on addresses in Durand Close Estate in Carshalton on Wednesday, in a massive drugs raid at dawn.

Five people have been arrested at separate addresses on suspicion of offences including supplying class A drug heroin, theft and possession of drugs. Two further arrests have been made for a theft offence and possession of cannabis.

Items taken from the addresses will be sent off for examination. Police say their enquiries continue.

The detectives from Sutton CID were backed by specialist entry teams in the operation targeted at suspected drug dealers. Yesterday's arrests come after almost four months of surveillance exercises on the estate.

In total, four men and three women were arrested, all in their 20s and 30s. As the Guardian went to press, they were being held at Sutton and Wimbledon police stations.

At a press conference on Wednesday morning, police emphasised residents on the estate had played an important part in nailing the arrests.

Heading the operation, Detective Inspector David Poole said: "We are pleased to see the culmination of many people's hard work in these arrests today. The people living on this estate have made it very clear they do not want the scourge of drugs on their doorstep and we hope this sends out a clear signal.

"We have found in the past heroin and crack is directly linked to burglary and car crime so hopefully this will improve life on the estate for residents."

Many Durand Close residents were too scared yesterday to comment at length to the Guardian.

One said only: "It is not going to change a thing unless these people are put away. They should not be allowed in these flats to start with."

Another resident said: "I close my door and don't go out in the evening it's not safe. An increased police presence has been needed for a long time."

Mike Cooper, leader of Sutton Council, said: "We welcome the action taken by the police. Organised criminals are exploiting the young and vulnerable in society, creating addicts to fund their evil empire."

Despite the arrests, only a small amount of cannabis was seized from the raids.

December 6, 2001 17:00